Epiphany

In Christian tradition, we do know the names of the Magi to be Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. However, there is little suggesting they were kings. Instead, most evidence from both the Bible and other historical documents suggest these men were astrologers. This would likely make them royal advisers, but not kings. Also, because of this, the consensus is that these men were not Jewish. They were foreigners and pagans, men who did not know God or His Law. And yet, we see them coming to pay homage to the newborn “king of the Jews.” Furthermore, we can tell from their gifts that they have some idea of who Jesus really is: the Son of God. 

What we see in the Epiphany is the first instance in all of Jewish history where the Gentiles (the other non-Jewish nations) truly become aware of God. Throughout the Old Testament, the Gentiles are seen as false believers, even enemies of God (this is why Egypt is constantly characterized as the place of slavery and sin, why the Philistines are seen as Israel’s enemy, etc.). The arrival of the Magi shows us these same pagan foreigners coming to see the light of the true God. This is where we get the name: an epiphany is a dramatic, eye-opening event, and here we have the eyes of the nations being opened to see God. Throughout the New Testament, one of the big questions is: Is salvation only for the Israelites or will it be for everyone? The Epiphany is the first time we see that Jesus is the savior of the whole world. 

The Church is not simply a church for one particular people; it is the Church for all people. It is the “Catholic” (“universal”) church. While, in ignorance, they had consulted a false source of wisdom (astrology) to seek the truth, the Magi nonetheless found Christ and were welcomed by Him. These three men are saints today, so we know they left their false beliefs behind and followed the source of true wisdom. In the same way, the Church welcomes all peoples, regardless of where they come from, so long as they come seeking to know, love and imitate the true Christ, pursuing true salvation.