When we talk about epiphany or the manifestation of the Lord, people think directly to the Magi driven by a star. We celebrate the visit of the Magi to the newborn baby on January 6th. Let's continue the catechesis on the Epihany with P. Justolat E. Rafaralahimboa

Only the Gospel according to Matthew relates the episode of the Venusian Magi from the Orient in Bethlehem under the guidance of a star to adore "the newly born King of the Jews" and offer him gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts. For this evangelist, who addresses Jewish-Christians persecuted by the Jews, it is a question of showing that Jesus is indeed the Messiah and that the prophecy of Isaiah (60:2-6) is true: 'Behold, darkness covers the earth, and the dark cloud covers the peoples. But the Lord has risen upon you, and his glory is seen upon you. The nations will walk in your light, and kings in the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes, and see: they are all gathered together, they are coming to you; your sons are returning from far away, and your daughters are carried on their hips. Then you will see, you will be radiant, your heart will tremble and expand. The treasures from beyond the seas shall flow to you, the riches of the nations shall come to you. In great numbers, camels will invade you, young camels from Midian and Ephesus. All the people of Sheba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and shall declare the deeds of the Lord.

<p ">In the same way, Psalm 72 announced an ideal king before whom "the kings who are farthest away, will prostrate before him, those from Tarshish and Sheba will present their gifts and tributes".>

It is on these texts that the legend concerning the Magi was later built up, especially with the apocryphal gospel accounts. It was first agreed that they were brought from Persia, where astronomy had always been the main focus.