Epiphany of the Lord

“Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Mt 2:11)

They offered Him gifts. The best they had: gold – for the King, frankincense – for God, myrrh – for His death on the cross. But gold could also symbolize our love, frankincense – our longing, and myrrh – our suffering. 

When I go to visit Him, how often do I bring Him only leftovers. Remains of my time, busy schedule, last minutes of my day. How often did I fall asleep during the liturgy of hours, during my daily meditation. Not because of malice, only because I was so busy in the service of my Lord.

Today’s feast reminds me how important it is to put Him in the first place of my day – before I start to serve Him. Service is the measure of my love, and love first needs to meet its object.

The Magi first came to visit Him. The gifts were only a consequence of the visit. Without the visit – there are no gifts.