by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
The Gospel for today’s feast of the Epiphany is a very familiar one. Most manger scenes include figures of the three Wisemen ... maybe even a camel or two with them.
The three travelers risked their lives following a star to find the Messiah. It is difficult to imagine the conditions of their travel and the length of time. Nothing stopped them from their journey. Matthew tells us that they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Tradition tells us that they were foreigners named Balthazar, Caspar and Melchior. They were of different cultures and beliefs yet God touched their hearts to follow the star. Salvation was being offered to everyone!
This message comes to us in a world that is becoming more multicultural and diverse in many areas -– a world that seems overcome with violence and injustice. Jesus was sent by God to bring all people together. This feast speaks of God’s desire that all live in peace.
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