The Nativity of the Lord: The Magi

Today’s reading is from Matthew 2:1-12 and is not one of the specific readings heard in any of the Christmas Vigil or Christmas Day Masses, but I thought it fitting as tomorrow’s reading picks up right when the Magi depart:

 

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."

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 Messiah 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 is the only gospel that references the Magi. Most interesting is the fact that there is no specific number of Magi given. This is one of the situations (similar to Adam and Eve eating an apple in the Garden of Eden) where popular belief is different from what is actually written. As noted in the Catholic Encyclopedia, since there are three gifts presented, it would seem to imply there were three wise men. However, in the Orient the belief is there were twelve wise men. Christian art throughout the ages has varied from one to eight.

The names of the Magi are also uncertain. The names Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar are commonly referenced in the Latin rite. From the above Gospel passage, it appears they all came from "the east".