Paul Kniaz on the Virtues of the Magi

"The prominent virtues of the Magi are piety and wisdom (in recognizing Christ as universal king and the light of the world), faith, fortitude, hope and humility.

"Matthew's Gospel highlights Christ's kingship through the magi when he writes, '[a]fter Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him' (Matthew 2:1-2). Nativities rightly or wrongly depict the magi as kings; their kingship points to the fact that Christ is to be the king of kings. Though 'born king of the Jews,' his kingdom is to be even wider than Israel. Yet the world - Herod included - has no idea of what has happened; it remains unaware of its new king. Today, the world remains just as unaware, which is yet another reason to celebrate the magi who, though relying on a star themselves, can act as beckons of light to others seeking the new king.

"The magic of the magi lies not in their spells but in the message that all of us can be born into Christ's kingdom. The prologue to John's Gospel describes Christ's followers as children of God but 'children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God' (John 1:13)."

In a recent commentary, writer Paul Kniaz reflected on the virtues exemplified by the Magi (including faith, fortitude, and hope).

To access his complete post, please visit:

Catholic Stand: The Virtues of the Magi (18 JAN 18)