Epiphany

Today is the Epiphany of the Lord. I heard some interesting tidbits in Father's homily.

Herod is always depicted as a bad guy. But besides murdering his wife, three sons and brother-in-law, he also melted down his gold plates to have the gold to trade for food to feed his people.

The three Magi came on dromedaries. Magi can be kings, wise people, priests, or science authorities like astrologers. Dromedaries are bigger than camels. They are like thoroughbred camels. In fact, Dromedaries are used in races. Picture a dromedary trying to fit through the eye of a needle. (It's easier for a dromedary to fit through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get to heaven.)

The gifts are symbollic: gold for a king, incense for a priest, myrrh for annointing.

Times change. Diapers are the appropriate gift, nowadays.