The Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi, who were non-Jews, to worship the child Jesus. It is thus a missionary feast because Jesus is not only the Jewish Messiah but also the Savior of the whole human race.
But the Epiphany is a stewardship celebration, as well, for the Magi did not come empty-handed. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to offer him. Gold represents the Treasure that we present to our spiritual King for the spread of the Kingdom of God. Frankincense symbolizes our Time that we devote to prayer and the worship of God. And myrrh conveys our willingness to offer our Talent to serve others, for it is used in preparing bodies for burial, a service the Church has identified for centuries as one of the corporal works of mercy.
The Epiphany, then, challenges us to be good Christian stewards and to bring our time, talent, and treasure to worship Jesus, just as the Magi did, and to invite others to join us in worship.
