This weekend, we celebrate the great feast of the Epiphany. The Wise Men brought to Christ certain gifts that were fitting for a king. The gold recalls the golden crown on the head of a king along with the scepter of power. The frankincense was a sacred incense used at the altar on specific Jewish high holy days, and it usually accompanied a meal-offering. Myrrh was an oil customarily used to prepare a body for burial. Prior to wrapping the body in burial clothes the person would be anointed with this oil. It was also mixed with wine. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, they mixed wine and myrrh and attempted to give it to Him. All three gifts clearly indicate to us the royal, special, and sacrificial identity of the Child in the manger. Epiphany itself means manifestation. Christ was truly made manifest through the offerings of the Three Wise Men, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar. The important fact that cannot be overlooked, however, was that the gifts brought were costly and precious. And yet, the gift they received was far more precious and special. They received in the flesh the very Son of God. Each celebration of the Mass, we too, see and receive that same gift.
