Daily Catholic Lectio. Sun, 4 January ‘26. Riches of the Sea

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sun, 4 January ‘26

Epiphany of the Lord

Isa 60:1–6. Eph 3:2–3, 5–6. Mt 2:1–12

The Riches of the Sea

A young man once arrived in a small village and sat quietly under a tree at the edge of town. He spoke to no one. People guessed who he might be—a wise man, a madman, a wanderer. One evening a little girl approached him and asked, “What do you carry in your bag?” He opened his worn-out bag and took out a diamond. In the fading light, it sparkled brilliantly.

“Will you give it to me?” she asked. “Take it,” he said simply. She went home amazed. The next morning, she returned, held out the diamond, and said, “I don’t want the stone. I want the heart that could give it away.”

Epiphany is about that kind of wealth—not what is held, but what is given; not what shines for a moment, but what transforms a life.

Today we celebrate the journey of the Magi, and Isaiah names it beautifully: “The riches of the sea shall be brought to you.” These are not merely material riches. They are the treasures of seeking, of movement, of faith, of hearts willing to travel far for truth.

A sudden, long, and transforming journey

The coming of the Magi is sudden. Their question shakes Herod and disturbs Jerusalem: “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?” God’s revelation often arrives like this—unexpected, unsettling, demanding a response.

Yet their journey is also long. We do not know where they began or how far they travelled. What we know is this: they trusted a sign. They believed that the heavens speak of God’s glory. A star was enough to set them on the road. True faith often begins with very little—but it dares to move.

And their journey is transforming. They arrive searching for a king, but they leave having encountered God. They return home “by another way,” because no one meets Christ and remains the same. The destination changes us, and so does the road.

Journey, light, and gift

(a) Journey

The Magi never stop being pilgrims. Jerusalem is not the end. Bethlehem is not the end. Even the return home is part of the journey. They teach us a deep wisdom: life itself is the destination. We are alive only when we are moving—questioning, discerning, responding. Journeys without purpose waste time; journeys without direction waste energy. Epiphany asks us: Where am I going? Why am I travelling?

(b) Light

A star guides the Magi. When they lose sight of it in Herod’s palace, confusion enters. When they step out again, the light returns, and they rejoice with great joy. Isaiah speaks of Jerusalem rising and shining; Paul speaks of the light given to the nations in Christ. God reveals himself to those who seek the light. Herod has Scripture but no star. The Magi have a star and are willing to move. Light is given not to the comfortable, but to the searching.

(c) Gift

The Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh—but they give more than objects. They give their knowledge, their courage, their time, their worship. They carry news of hope into a fearful city. Like the young man with the diamond, they give what they value most: themselves. This is the true “riches of the sea”—the abundance that comes when faith is shared and not stored.

Conclusion

Epiphany reveals Christ not only to the nations, but to every restless heart. We are all invited into this journey—out of darkness, toward light, bearing gifts, and returning changed.

Let us end with a prayer to the Magi:

O unnamed seekers from the East,

guardians of those who arrive late,

companions of those who travel far for truth,

protect those who confuse knowledge with wisdom,

those whose good intentions cause hidden harm,

those whose talents place them always at risk.

Teach us to travel lightly,

to follow the light faithfully,

to give ourselves freely,

and to return home by another way.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy