To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Commentary on the Gospel for Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Matthew explains, in the Gospel sequence of the Feast of the Epiphany, what Isaiah had prophesied: the salvation awaited by the Jewish people extends to all nations. Paul affirms this in his letter to the Ephesians: the Gentiles, too, are co-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the same promise in Christ Jesus. The Child of Bethlehem, visited by those guided by the star—known in tradition as Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar—brings salvation. The wise men represent every nation, language, and people in need of salvation. This is the Feast of the Epiphany, which for Catholics and Orthodox Christians is the revelation of God incarnate, Jesus, to all humanity. This is what we joyfully celebrate today.
Isaiah speaks of offerings of gold and incense; Matthew adds myrrh. Gold for a King, incense for God, and myrrh—a substance used to anoint the dead—for a Man: the most beautiful of all men.
In the Creed we recite at Mass, we proclaim that Jesus is God who took on human flesh and became one of us, and that He is truly King. Do we truly believe it? To believe it means letting that faith we profess shape our thoughts and actions. It’s a way of life that doesn’t erase our humanity but transforms and liberates it. Recognizing Jesus as our sovereign is the source and foundation of the greatest freedom: no power, no matter how tyrannical, no command, and no adverse circumstance can prevail over the sovereignty of our King.
Yet sometimes, instead of letting the Lord reign, we put our whims, selfishness, and petty ambitions ahead of Him. All praise and glory to Him! That Child given to us is our King and Lord. Gold and incense…
And myrrh, because in an extraordinary way, God took on flesh and became one of us. From that moment on, and forever, our mortal flesh has been renewed and opened to the hope of salvation and immortality. From that moment on, everything we do “for one of the least of His brothers” we do for Him.