The feast of the epiphany of the Lord is identified with the visit of the Magi in Mt 2:12 as part of the entire mystery of incarnation (God- in- flesh) that the Messiah came for all people, for the entire world and not just for a privileged few. Epiphany without the three kings is closely similar to a Mexican Christmas party without tamales. It is a feast that started in the eastern tradition and rich in history but hard to trace the details as there are limited resources prior to the 4 ^th century. 

The journey of the magi is filled with mystery. That’s why the story has been used in many cultures as a model that reflects social realities and thereby, challenge the status quo. They are foreigners, pagans, outsiders, and weird-looking people wearing elaborate garb almost similar to the outfit worn by the pirates of the Caribbean. Given their background, I bet they are the last people to follow the guidance of the star, a symbol of divinity in the ancients and even now. In today’s world, they are the people with no religious affiliation from a completely different background who found their way to Catholicism and surely, such a conversion story goes viral in the faith world and beyond.

To be a magi is to continue to search for the light the star gives. To be a magi is to relentlessly seek for the divine and human truth. To be a magi is to allow yourself to be guided by the star. To be a magi is to lead others to the star of Bethlehem. To be a magi is to leave our former way of life and never get back. To be a magi is to worship and adore God, the most obvious way to show our belief.

With the reduction of masses from 10 to 7 as the new normal taking effect this weekend, there’s mixed emotion. Many, of course, are terribly disappointed by the changes especially leaving only two Spanish masses in a heavily populated Spanish-speaking community. It’s the most practical option but not perfect. I relied heavily on the inputs of the parish council leaders who spent a great deal of time weighing the best course. I hope nobody feels a stranger in this closely knit community. We may feel a deep sense of ownership but no person or group of people owns or has the sole monopoly of any parish. We’re all parishioners, on- the- go (never reach our destination until the beatific vision), trying to discover, adore and tender gifts to the Christ-child. Amen.