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The epiphany has always been one of my favorite feasts. There’s something so interesting about the three wise men, something that stirs excitement and intrigue in our hearts and adds depth and meaning to the infancy narratives. While mysterious, these men teach us lessons in the pursuit of truth, generosity, and the ability to be changed by what God leads you to.

Only the Gospel of Matthew tells us of the Magi and of their arrival and as is often the case, there is not a lot of detail regarding them.

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star at its rising and have come to do Him homage.” Matthew 2:1

Scholars believe they were wealthy and learned men who probably wanted for little and enjoyed the respect that their status afforded them. They are presumed to be from Arabia, Persia, and India. Some believe they were Gentiles while others theorize they were descendants of Daniel, exiled to the conquered lands of Babylon. Most agree they had backgrounds in astrology and had made careful observations about the star. Though scripture cites three gifts that were given, there is no specification of how many Magi there were and some say there may have been as many as twelve.

What’s remarkable about these wise men is the conviction they had in what God was revealing to them. Something stirred within them as God revealed His word to them, so much so that they decided to move toward it. Natural and Divine revelation converged on the lives of these men and they responded.

The wise men’s story not only shows us the importance of being open to God’s revelation, but also the necessity of perseverance and the openness to be changed. Matthew’s Gospel continues,

“When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.” Matthew 2:2-12

I have so many questions about their journey. How did they know each other? The journey was likely an arduous one; were they all in agreement that they should go? Was there discussion about the gifts they would bring or was that made clear in the revelation they received? When they left Herod, did they have suspicion of his intent or did they plan to go back as he said?

Their story is a reflection of our own journeys. We have to choose the path put in front of us and we don’t know what lies ahead. We must rely on our ability to recognize God’s revelation in our own lives and be prepared to be changed.

The instructions given by Herod were clear. The authority of the time and place in which they were living left no room for interpretation. They were to bring word back – but they didn’t. They returned home another way. They were changed.

Like the Magi, we must be committed to seeking Him. But we also must be prepared for Him to change us – we need to be ready to return home another way.