6 de enero...Día de Reyes...

By José Blanco


Yesterday 'we' were 'talking' about traditions, specifically the "Día de Reyes". Three kings - Magi - bringing gifts to the newborn child. These Magi "represent the non-Jewish peoples of the world", and are also called "Wise Men" from Persia (Magi being Persian priests)." There is a lot of biblical, historical, liturgical references and depth behind these terms, and they encompass multiple cultures' beliefs and traditions.

The feast's liturgical name is that of Epiphany, referencing the Incarnation of Jesus, the earliest reference to it as a Christian feast was in A.D. 361. It can also be a reference to Jesus' Baptism, depending upon the particular faith - West or East, respectively - followed. So that it is one of the most important liturgical feasts around.

The readings of the day - check out this link here - are very interesting in terms of the allusions to Jerusalem, or to the "Alpha and Omega", or to Jesus' teachings, and today's events in the Middle East. Some co - incidences are just 'too coincidental'...

I am referring to Revelations, Chapter 21 - a reading for the day - and was struck by #'s 1 and 4: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more" and "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away."

Are we meeting hope here in the middle of this awful conflict? Is there mysterious wisdom in the liturgy for the season? Something to ponder, and ...something to ponder some more.

Yesterday, I referenced the children on this day, as in many cultures in which the Kings bring gifts, surprises, fulfill expectations: deep ones. The liturgy - sort of - emphasizes that too, doesn't it? And many kids today, young and old, celebrated - and some are still celebrating - the gifts left behind.

Even as far as the Netherlands, "The Dutch and Flemish call this day Drie koningen (Three Kings' Day). In the Netherlands and Belgium, children in groups of three (symbolising the three kings) proceed in costume from house to house while singing songs typical for the occasion, and receiving a coin or some sweets at each door." Neat.

I was at work this afternoon and reading the news came across the photo below. Credits to Al Jazeera. Someway, it resembled this description. Three kids. Not going around anymore "from house to house singing songs", but instead, being carried by three men, or three Kings?, or three Magi?, or three wise men?...
They are carrying them with outstretched arms, under the weight that helps compose an image as if it were an offering; a giving. Feeling of the deepest of vulnerabilities. As if saying: "what else do you want...me...to give?"


St. Francis in the opening photo, one taken in Brussels, one among many creche's from the multiple ethnic groups represented in that church community, is also carrying what seems like a bundled baby. On his knees. What is that all about? The Friar of the 13 th century new about this? Then?

Coincidence? ...Já!

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order... has passed away."...no, ..."will pass away". That is our hope.

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