Bring Christ the gifts of the Magi, Church Fathers: Day 034

Last updated on: August 27, 2017 at 7:30 am by Pete Socks

Bring Christ the gifts of the Magi, Church Fathers: Day 034 2017-08-27T06:21:24-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Preaching on the Feast of the Epiphany, St. Gregory the Great tells his congregation that the gifts of the Magi are still brought to Christ every day. Whoever worships Christ according to Catholic doctrine brings the same priceless gifts the Magi brought.

The story read to us from the Gospel properly records those days when the three Magi, who had neither been taught by the prophets’ predictions nor instructed by the witness of the Law, came to acknowledge God from the furthest reaches of the East. But we see this same thing more clearly and abundantly carried on right now in the enlightenment of all those who are called. The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: “The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” (Isaiah 52:10); and again, “for that which has not been told them they shall see, and that which they have not heard they shall understand” (Isaiah 52:15).

So when we see men, devoted to worldly wisdom and far from believing in Jesus Christ, brought out of the depth of their error and called to an acknowledgment of the true Light, it is doubtless the brightness of the divine grace that is at work. Whatever new light shines into the darkness of their hearts comes from the rays of the same star. It moves them with wonder, and, going before, leads the minds it has visited with its splendor to the adoration of God.

But if we want to consider carefully how their triple gift is also offered by all who come to Christ on feet of faith, isn’t the same offering repeated in the hearts of true believers? Whoever acknowledges Christ as King of the universe brings gold from the treasure of his heart. Whoever believes that the only-begotten Son of God united true human nature to Himself offers myrrh. Whoever confesses that He is not at all inferior to His Father’s majesty worships Him, so to speak, with incense. –St. Gregory the Great, Sermon 36, 1

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

What gifts does my faith bring to Christ?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, I bring you only gifts that you have first given me. All glory be to you, all honor and blessing, from age to age forever.

Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.

A Year with the Church Fathers

Mike Aquilina

Saint Benedict Press

Saint Gregory the Great

Previous Post

August 23, 2017

Off the Shelf 034 with Heather King

Next Post

August 27, 2017 A Catholic book with a Star Wars twist

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz