Title: The Fourth Magi: A Tale of Spiritual Transformation
The Magi: a Persian word meaning "priests." They were scholars in philosophy and astronomy in the regions of Media and Persia. Not just wise men, but skilled astrologers and philosophers in the Greco-Roman world.
They were both priests and, at the same time, kings, either Chaldeans or Persians, dedicating their time to studying astronomical phenomena and speculating on future events.
The Magi came from the East in search of the King of the Jews, in the days of King Herod the Great. The King, however, was not born in a royal palace but in a humble manger.
They arrived in a grand procession led by three of their leaders, carrying gifts for the miraculous King. These three represented the various human races descended from Noah's three sons.
Melichor "Melchior": An old, long-bearded man of Japhetic descent, reminiscent of Melchizedek, the righteous king. He brought gold, symbolizing the wealth that the angel would use to collect the blood that would flow on Mount Golgotha.
Balthasar: Middle-aged, of Hamitic descent, a dark-skinned man resembling people from India, Asia, or the Arabian Peninsula. He presented myrrh as a symbol, mingled with bitterness, foretelling Jesus' future sacrifice.
Caspar: A young man of Semitic descent, representing Shem. He brought frankincense.
It was as if they embodied the diversity of human races and the divisions of the three continents. They joined the humble Jewish shepherds in bowing before the Messiah, hastening to the cornerstone.
These are the three Magi agreed upon by various traditions. According to some, they were accompanied by a large number of servants and attendants, causing disturbance to King Herod and all of Jerusalem. The grand procession, crossing the city's streets at an unexpected time, added to the religious celebration. Some traditions suggest that Melichor, Balthasar, and Caspar, Noah's sons, represented the three divisions of the world.
According to Larousse's 20th-century dictionary, Queen Helena discovered their treasures, now preserved in the Cologne Cathedral, Germany. Frederic and Varad's book "The Life of Christ" mentions that three skulls attributed to these Magi are still displayed among the treasures of Cologne, each adorned with a jeweled crown.
An ancient legend tells that when these three Magi approached Bethlehem and presented their gifts to the child and his mother, Saint Joseph had a vision. In the vision, he smiled as the gold signified kingship, the frankincense signified divinity, and myrrh indicated his future suffering.
Saint John Chrysostom said, "They did not present sheep or cattle but rather brought things close to the heart of the Church: knowledge, wisdom, and love." Gregory the Great added, "Gold is presented as the king's tribute, incense as an offering to God, and myrrh for embalming the dead. Thus, the Magi declared their secret gifts to those who mocked him with gold, that he is a king; with incense, that he is God; and with myrrh, that he suffered before."
These symbols hold traditional significance, influencing Christian poetry and arts. John Chrysostom further stated, "They did not present sheep or cattle but rather brought things close to the heart of the Church: knowledge, wisdom, and love." Gregory the Great added, "Gold is presented as the king's tribute, incense as an offering to God, and myrrh for embalming the dead. Thus, the Magi declared their secret gifts to those who mocked him with gold, that he is a king; with incense, that he is God; and with myrrh, that he suffered before."
By these signs, we understand something else. Gold symbolizes wisdom, as Solomon testifies, "A sought-after treasure is in the mouth of the righteous" (Proverbs 31:20 - Septuagint). Incense burned before God symbolizes the power of prayer, as the Psalm says, "Let my prayer be set before You as incense" (Psalm 141:2). Myrrh symbolizes the death of our bodies, as the Holy Church says to its workers, who work for God until death, "My hands drip with myrrh" (Song of Solomon 5:5).
In offering gold, we acknowledge the child's radiant wisdom. With incense, we burn the thoughts of the body on the altar of our hearts. We lift our heavenly longings as a sweet fragrance to God. By presenting myrrh, we preserve our bodies from corruption, safeguarding purity.
After the three Magi left the child Jesus and disappeared behind the mountains, the story introduces the fourth Magi.
The fourth Magi emerged from the land of the Persians, bringing three precious gifts to offer to the blessed newborn. However, fate intervened, and the man hurriedly followed the star he saw, leaving the three precious gifts behind in his region. Sadly, he arrived late, empty-handed, and regretful. In humility and reverence, he prostrated himself before the infant Jesus.
As he lifted his head in shame, he saw the blessed child extending his tiny hands towards the empty hands of the Magus. At that moment, the child smiled with simplicity and tenderness. Immediately, the Magus felt the touch of something small and cold in his hand. Looking down, he discovered the second pearl he had given to the innkeeper to cure the sick man.
Startled by this revelation, the Magus continued to fumble with the pearls, and a third touch on his hand revealed the third pearl, the one he had sacrificed to save the child from possible death at the hands of Herod's soldiers.
The fourth Magus understood that the Christ child did not govern by gold alone but had the power to rule hearts and transform lives. Despite losing the first two pearls, he gained a greater treasure: the experience of spiritual change and transformation.
In this way, the fourth Magus became part of a profound story, realizing that spiritual values surpass material possessions. The power of love and mercy can transform hearts and bring about genuine change in life.