Scripture Reflection - January 4, 2026

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

“They were overjoyed at seeing the star,

and upon entering the house they found the child with Mary his mother.”

(Matt.2:10-11)

Most of us would not think of starting a journey today without a GPS.  We tap in a destination and listen for the voice that assures us that the route guidance has now started.  Throughout the trip, we listen attentively for the calm voice that tells us where to turn and trust that even if we take a wrong turn, we will be “re-routed”.  What did we do without GPS?

GPS offers pinpoint, real-time accuracy using satellites for global positioning, while ancient star navigation relied on observing celestial bodies. The Magi were highly skilled in celestial observation and interpretation, combining advanced astronomy and astrology to interpret an unusual celestial event as the sign of a newborn king in Judea. Their expertise enabled them to identify a unique phenomenon among familiar celestial objects and understand its significance based on their scholarly traditions, which likely included Jewish prophecies.

Despite the brilliance of the magi and their knowledge of the celestial bodies, the Magi's vision of the star was periodically obscured by natural phenomena. Over a long journey, clouds, storms, or dust in the atmosphere could easily cover any celestial object, making it impossible to see. Moreover, the Magi would have been able to use the "star" as a guide during the night or very early morning or late evening, necessitating other means of navigation during daylight hours.

In a sense, the Magi were trusting a somewhat faulty navigation system.  They followed a star, not a satellite.  They did not always know where they were going.  They took wrong turns and one time they arrived in Jerusalem instead of Bethlehem where they encountered King Herod.  They occasionally needed a course recalculation but they kept searching.  They kept moving and when they found the Christ Child, Matthew tells us “they were overwhelmed with joy.”

Isaiah in today’s first reading proclaims “Your light has come,” and Saint Paul reminds us that God’s guidance is not just for an elite few, it’s for everyone, Gentiles included.  The Magi show us that God can guide anyone who is willing to trust God, even if the journey involves wrong turns, recalculations, and moments when we are convinced we are absolutely lost.

Perhaps that is our Epiphany invitation: to trust the gentle guidance of God’s light even when it seems to lead us by strange routes and to let ourselves be redirected until we finally arrive at the place where Christ waits for us with overwhelming joy.

Sr. Mary T. Flood, OP