There is an expression often heard today: “Wise Men still
seek him.” Today’s feast of the Epiphany (manifestation) comes to us from
Matthew’s gospel. These key figures, “the Wise Men”, (their number not
mentioned) are believed to be practitioners and thinkers of an Eastern religion
which employed astrology as part of its belief system.
They were also familiar with he Jewish prophetic
tradition, specifically that prophecy that predicted that a great king would
rise up in Israel. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among
the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in
Israel, whose origin is from old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2)
An astrological configuration appeared in the heavens
which they interpreted to be a sign that it was about to happen. So, they set
out in search of this great king who is the fulfillment of this prophesy.
Only Matthew includes these events in his gospel account.
Over the years, many things have been added to Matthew’s story; things which
are meant to enrich the story we have today.
I believe the term “Wise”, has a lot of meaning for our
present age. It suggests to us what our generation is missing, and what it
needs to search for – Wisdom. I recently heard an interview with an
astrophysicist who was reinforcing the importance to this branch of science;
how it will help us to one day understand who we are, where we came from, why
we are here. Let us hope that this generation will ultimately discover Him,
whom the Wise Men discovered, and find the answers they are seeking.
On the side panel, listed as [ Labels - Links to These Subjects ] you will find a handy link to previous post on the subject of the Epiphany.
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