The “Epiphany” of Jesus, his revelation to the world, was accompanied by the offering of three gifts, each of which symbolised a different aspect of the divine/human saviour.
Frankincense is offered to Jesus, the Son of God, the eternal Word of the Father, who is worshipped with the Father and the Spirit. Gold is offered to Jesus, the King of the human race, the summit of creation. Myrrh is offered to the divine/human saviour of the world, who suffered and died for the salvation of all.
Jesus continues to be revealed in our own day. He is revealed as the Word of God, speaking to us in the marvellous workings of nature, in the achievements of the human spirit, and in the dialogue between Church and world. He is revealed to us as King in every victory over ignorance, alienation, and powerlessness. He is revealed to us as the Suffering Messiah in the heart and face of every poor person, every stranger, every wanderer living in a back alley, or under a bridge, every person victimised by others.
“His glory has shone among us” We have only to recognise him and to do what the Magi did in his presence: “They prostrated themselves and did him homage.”