Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, our Gospel gives us two very different responses to the birth of Jesus, to the revelation of the Christ Child. On the one hand, we have the Magi; on the other, King Herod. Both heard the news of a newborn King, but their reactions couldn’t be more opposite. The contrast in their responses gives a powerful lesson for us as we reflect on how we respond to Christ in our own lives.

Let’s start with the Magi. They saw the star and recognized that it was a sign of something extraordinary. These men weren’t Jewish – while they were wealthy and respected in their countries and throughout the East, they were still outsiders, pagans even – but they were seekers of truth. Their response to the star was immediate: they set out on a long and difficult journey. They didn’t let fear, uncertainty, or inconvenience prevent them from finding out what this event was all about; they didn’t let those things stop them from seeking the King. And when they found Jesus, they bowed down and worshipped Him. They offered gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – not just treasures, but symbols of who Jesus is: King, God, and sacrifice.

Now let’s look at Herod. He also heard about the newborn King, but his reaction was the opposite of worship. Instead of seeking, he schemed. Instead of offering gifts, he plotted destruction. Why did he respond in this way? Ultimately, Herod felt vulnerable. He was terrified of losing his power, so he closed his heart to the truth and saw Jesus as a threat rather than a gift.

These two responses to Jesus – the Magi’s faith and humility, and Herod’s fear and selfishness – should be a sort of mirror for us. They invite us to ask: How do we respond when Christ shows up in our lives?

When we encounter Jesus, do we react like the Magi, with open hearts and a willingness to go wherever He leads? Are we ready to offer Him the best of ourselves – our time, talents, and love? Or are we more like Herod, clinging to our own plans, afraid of what we might lose if we let Jesus take the lead?

It’s easy to say that we would be like the Magi, but, if we’re completely honest, sometimes it’s really hard. Following Jesus can feel inconvenient, uncertain, or even threatening to the comfortable routines we’ve built. We might be afraid that letting the Lord lead will result in us having to give up something we have come to enjoy or to change in ways we aren’t necessarily ready to. But here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t come to take something away from us; He comes to give us life. The Magi understood that, which is why they found joy in their journey. It’s why they risked everything to seek the Child and to bow in homage before Him.

The Epiphany reminds us that Jesus came into the world not just for a select few; He came for everyone – just as the light of the star reached both the Magi and Herod, how it summoned the shepherds and likely others as well. The question is: How will we respond when the light of Christ shows up in our lives? Will we follow the light, even when it challenges us, or will we turn away, clinging to what we think we need to protect?

This week, let’s pray for the grace to respond like the Magi: to seek Jesus with faith, to trust Him with humility, and to offer Him our very best. May we leave here today not just inspired by their example but determined to live it out in our own lives.

Photo: Three Wise Men. Image generated using Jetpack AI Assistant.

Readings for Mass: Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord