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← Meditationes Vitae Christi (Pseudo-Bonaventure), Castilian court context/Book 1 · Meditationes Vitae Christi
Chapter 9MedVC.1.9

De Epiphania, sive apparitione Domini

The Solemnity of Epiphany

The author explains why the feast of Epiphany is so solemnly celebrated, highlighting Christ's manifestation to the Gentiles, the betrothal of the Church, and the fittingness of this day for baptismal grace.

On the thirteenth day, the child Jesus revealed himself to the nations — that is, to the Magi, who were Gentiles. Pay attention to this day, because you will hardly find any feast so solemnly celebrated and enriched by the Church — in antiphons, responsories, sermons, and everything else that belongs to the solemnity — as this one. Not that it is greater than all others, but because many and great things were done on that day by the Lord Jesus, especially for the Church itself.12 The first reason is that today the Church itself was received by him in the person of the Magi, because the Church was gathered from the nations. For on the day of his birth he appeared to the Jews in the person of the shepherds — Jews who did not receive the word of God, except for a few of them. Today, however, he appeared to the nations, and this is the Church of the elect.3 That is why today's feast is properly the feast of the Church and of the faithful Christians.4 The second reason is that the Church was betrothed by him today and truly joined to him through the baptism he received on that day — that is, in the twenty-ninth year. And so it is sung joyfully today: 'Today the Church is joined to the heavenly bridegroom,' etc.5 For in baptism souls are betrothed to Christ, who from his own baptism took the power to do so, and the gathering of baptized souls is called the Church.6

Many Great Deeds, One Chosen Day

The chapter recalls that Christ's first miracle at Cana and possibly the multiplication of loaves also occurred on this day, then transitions into the author's stated method of imaginative meditation rather than scholarly exposition.

Third, because on that day — that is, once a full year had passed after his baptism — he worked his first miracle at a wedding, and this too can be applied to the Church and to spiritual marriage.✦ It also seems that he later worked a miracle on that same day, concerning the multiplication of loaves and fish. But the Church today represents the first three events; that one, however, it does not.✦7 You see, then, how venerable that day is — the one the Lord chose for so many great and wondrous deeds. And so the Church, considering all the great benefits shown to it today by its Bridegroom, wishes to be grateful: it exults, rejoices, and jubilates, and celebrates this day magnificently. Let us speak, then, of the first event, because the others will be treated in the order of Christ's own life. But as for the first event — that is, the coming of the Magi to Christ — it is not my intention to recount the moral interpretations and expositions that have been so carefully handed down by the saints. How the Magi came from the East to Jerusalem four times, what took place between them and Herod, about the guidance of the star, why they made such an offering, and about other matters of this kind — read the text of the Gospel and the expositions of the saints, and you'll find them there.✦8 For in this and in other events of Christ's life I intend — as I told you at the beginning — to touch on certain meditations, according to certain imaginative representations that the soul can perceive in various ways, just as the deeds were carried out by him, or as they can be believed to have taken place.

The Magi Arrive and Adore

The Magi come with their retinue to the humble dwelling, kneel before the child, and adore him as King and God despite his poverty, showing extraordinary faith.

I've rarely thought about bringing in explanations and expositions — partly because I'm not up to the task, and partly because the subject matter would be far too lengthy. So be fully present to the task at hand, and look closely at each detail — because, as I told you before, the whole force of these meditations rests on this. So those three kings came with a great crowd and a distinguished retinue, and they stand before that humble shelter where the Lord Jesus was born.✦ The Lady hears the noise and commotion, and she takes the child in her arms. They enter the little house, and kneel down, and reverently adore the child, the Lord Jesus.✦ They honor him as King, and they worship him as Lord.✦ See how great their faith was. What did it mean to believe that this little boy, dressed so poorly, found with a poor mother, and in such a lowly place, without companions, without household, without any splendor, was King and true God?✦✦

Reverent Encounter in the Stable

The Magi speak with Mary about the child's circumstances, while Mary responds with modesty and grace, and the Lord strengthens her because they represent the future Gentile Church.

And yet they believed both. We needed to have such leaders, and such first-fruits. So there they stand, kneeling before him, speaking with the Lady, either through an interpreter or on their own, because they were wise men, and perhaps they knew the Hebrew language. They ask her about the circumstances of that boy. The Lady tells them, and they believe everything. Look at them carefully, because they speak and listen with reverence and courtesy. Look at the Lady too, because she speaks with a blush in her words and her eyes cast down to the ground, and with modesty — she doesn't enjoy being talked about or being looked at.9 The Lord nevertheless gave her strength in this great work, because they represented the whole future Church drawn from the nations.10

The Child Jesus and the Gifts

The Magi behold the child Jesus with delight, offer him gold, frankincense, and myrrh, kiss his feet, receive his blessing, and depart with joy by another route, prompting reflection on the use of their gifts.

Look at the boy Jesus: he does not yet speak, but he stands there with a maturity and gravity beyond his years, as if he understands, and he regards them kindly — and they take great delight in him, these men of the Epiphany. Lord. , at the Magnificat.✦ ^ antiphon. B. The Virgin Mary offered more to the poor, distributing [to them]. The poor. Humble in spirit, as if taught inwardly and illuminated by a light greater than any bodily [light], for he was fair beyond the sons of men.✦ At last, having received great consolation, they offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the same one, opening their own treasures and placing some cloth or carpet before the feet of the Lord Jesus — that is, each one of them offered those three things in the greatest quantity, especially…✦ …especially concerning the gold. For at another time, a small offering would not have required the treasures to be opened, because they would have had small things easily at hand from their steward. And then, reverently and devoutly, they kissed his feet. What if the most wise child, to comfort them more and to strengthen them in his love, had also extended his hand for them to kiss? He also signed them and blessed them. They, therefore, bowing down and bidding farewell, departed with great joy, and by another way returned to their own region.✦ What do you think was done with that gold, which was of such great value?

Mary's Love of Poverty

Mary refuses to keep the Magi's gold for herself, distributing it all to the poor within days, even to the point of being unable to afford a temple lamb at the Presentation.

Surely the Lady didn't keep any of it for herself, or set it aside as a deposit? Or surely she didn't buy houses, fields, and a vineyard? Far be it! The lover of poverty doesn't concern herself with such things.11 Burning with zeal, then, for poverty, and understanding her Son's will — both as he taught within and showed signs outwardly, perhaps because she was turning her face from gold and despising it — she distributed the whole of it to the poor within a few days.12 For it was a burden to her to hold on to or carry such a load. And so she had spent it all so completely that when she entered the temple, she didn't have enough to buy a single lamb to offer for her son — instead she bought turtledoves or doves.13 So it's reasonable to believe that the Magi's gift was great, and that the Lady, zealous for poverty and full of love, gave it to the poor. See the praise of poverty — and observe it in these two things.14 First, because today the boy Jesus received alms as a poor person — and so did his mother.

Christ's Example of True Humility

The author contrasts false humility with Christ's authentic humility, who willingly revealed his lowly condition to kings and their companions, giving believers an example of embracing contempt for spiritual good.

Second, because they not only didn't care to acquire or gather wealth, but they were even unwilling to hold on to what had been given them — the desire for poverty was always growing in them. But surely you haven't paid attention to anything concerning their humility? If you look closely, the depth of humility is also perceived. For there are those who consider themselves vile and abject in their own mind and in their own eyes, and they are not puffed up — but they don't want to be seen that way in the eyes of others, nor do they allow themselves to be despised or mocked by others, and they don't want their own baseness or defects to become known to others, lest they be looked down on. Not so the child Jesus, Lord of all, who wanted both his own lowly things and himself to be laid open — and not to the small or the few, but to the great and the many, namely to kings and their many companions — and in such a case and at such a time when there was much to be feared.✦ For when they came to find the King of the Jews, whom they believed to be God as well, they could have doubted — and having seen things concerning him, thinking themselves foolish and deceived, they might have withdrawn without faith or devotion. But the lover of humility did not allow it, giving us an example, so that under the appearance of some outward good we might not draw back from humility — and so that we might learn to want to appear vile and abject in the eyes of others as well.✦

Read the original Latin

Die autem tertiodecimo puer Jesus manifestavit se gentibus, id est Magis, qui gentiles erant. Attende circa diem istum, quia vix invenies aliquod festum sic ab Ecclesia solemnizatum et multiplicatum in antiptionis, responsoriis, et sermonibus, et aliis, quae ad solemnitatem pertinent, sicut illud: non quod sit majus omnibus aliis, sed quia multa et magna tali diefacta sunt per Dominum Jesum, et maxime circa ipsam Ecclesiam. Primum est, quia hodie ipsa Ecclesia recepta est ab eo in persona Magorum: quia Ecclesia ex gentibus congregata est. Nam die natalis sui apparuit Judseis in persona pastorum, qui Judaei non receperunt verbum Dei, nisi pauci ex ipsis: hodie vero apparuit gentibus, et hasc est Ecclesia electorum. Unde festum hodiernum est proprie festum Ecclesiae, et fidehum christianorum. Secundum, quia Ecclesia est hodie desponsata ab eo, et eidem vere conjuncta per baptismum, quem tali die suscepit, scilicet revoluto vigesimo nono anno. Et ideo laetanter cantatur *: Hodie ccelesti sponso juncta est Ecclesia, etc. Nam in baptismo desponsantur animas Christo, qui a suo baptismo sumpsit virlutem, et animarum baptizatarum congregatio vocatur Ecclesia.

Tertium, quia tali die, sciUcet revoluto anno post baptismum, fecit primum miraculum ad nuptias: quod etiam ad Ecclesiam et spirituales nuptias potest adaptari. Videtur etiam postea fecisse tali die miraculum de multiplicatione panum et piscium: sed prima tria Ecclesia hodie repraesentat, illud autem non. Vides ergo quam venerabihs est dies illa, quam Dominus elegit ad tot magnifica et mirifica. Considerans ergo Ecclesia tot magna beneficia, hodie sibi a suo sponso exhibita, grata existere volens, exultat, jucundatur et jubilat, et hunc diem magnifice solemnizat. Dicamus ergo de primo, quia de aliis sermo erit secundum ordinem vitae ipsius Christi. Sed de primo opere, scihcet de Magorum adventu ad Christum, non est intentionis meae narrare moralitates et expositiones, quae sic diligenter per sanctos traditae sunt. Quahter ergo venerunt Magi ab Oriente Hierosolymam, et quid inter eos et Herodem actum sit, et de ductu stellae, et quare talem oblationem fecerunt, et de aliis hujusmodi, legas textum Evangelii, et sanctorum expositiones, et invenies. Ego enim in hoc et in aliis vitae Christi actibus intendo, ut in principio tibi dixi, ahquas meditationes tangere, secundum quasdam imaginarias repraesentationes, quas anima diversimode percipere potest, secundum quod gesta fuerunt per ipsum, vel sicut fuisse credi possunt.

De expositionibus autem, raro intromittere me cogitavi: tum quia ad hoc insufficiens sum, tum etiam quia nimis esset longa materia. In praesenti ergo negotio sis praesens, et conspice bene singula^ quia, ut alias tibi dixi, in hoc est tota vis harum meditationum. Venerunt ergo isti tres reges cum multitudine magna et honorabili comitiva, et sunt ante illud tugurium in quo natus est Domiuus Jesus. Domina sentit strepitum et tumultum, et accipit puerum. Intrant illi domunculam, etgenuflectunt, et adorant Dominum puerum Jesum reverenter. Honorant eum ut Regem, et adorant ut Dominum. Vide quam magna fuit eorum fides. Quid enim erat credere, quod ille puerulus sic viliter indutus, cum paupercula matre inventus, et in loco sic abjecto, sine societate, sine familia, sine omni ornatu, esset rex et Deus verus?

Et tamen utrumque crediderunt. Tales duces, et talia primitiva nos oportebat habere. Stant ergo genuflexi coram eo, colloquuntur cum Domina, vel per interpretem, vel per seipsos: quia sapientes erant, etforte linguam hebraicam sciebant. Quaerunt ab ea de conditionibus istius pueri. Domina narrat: et illi omnia credunt. Conspice bene ipsos, quia reverenter, et curialiter loquuntur, et audiunt. Conspice et Dominam, quia cum rubore in verbis, et ocuhs ad terram demissis, ac cum verecundia loquitur, non delectatur loqui nec videri. Dominus tamen dedit ei vigorem in hoc magno opere: quia illi repraesentabant universam Ecclesiam futuram ex genlibus.

Conspice et puerum Jesum: nondum loquitur, sed stat cum maturitate et gravitate, tanquam intelligens, et benigne, respicit illos, et isti multum delectantur in eo, tam hi Epiph. Dom. , ad Magnif. ^ autiph. B. Virgo Miria Magis oblatam panperibas erogayit. PauperUa. Hnmilivisu mentali tanquam intus edocti et illuminati ab 60, quam corporali, quia speciosus erat proe filiis hominum.

Tandem consolalione magna recepta, offerunt eidem aurum, liius, et myrrliam, aperientes thesauros suos, et ponentes aliquem pannum vel tapetum ante pedes Domini Jesu obtulerunt, scilicet quilibet illorum illa tria in maxima quantitate pra? cipue de auro. Alias enim pro parva oblatione non oportuisset aperiri thesauros, quia parva de levi habuissent ad manus senascalU eorum. Et tunc reverenter et devote osculati sunt pedes ejus. Quid, si tunc puer sapientisslmus, ut eos magis consolaretur, et in amore suo roboraret, porrexisset etiam ad osculandum manum? Signavit etiam eos, et benedixit. Uli ergo se inclinantes et valefacientes, cum magno gaudio recesserunt, et per aUam viam reversi sunt in regionem suam. Quid autem de auro isto factum putas, quod erat sic magni valoris?

Numquid Domina reservavit sibi, vel depositum fecit? vel numquid emit domos, agros et vineam? Absit; aon curat de talibus paupertatis amalrix. Zelans ergo Domina fortiter pro paupertate, et intelligens filii voluntatem, tam intus docentis^ quam foris signa ostendentis, quia vultum forte avertebat ab auro, et vilipenderat, totum infra paucos dies pauperibus erogavit. Grave enim erat sibi sarcinam tenere, vel deferre. Unde sic ista tolaliter expenderat, quod quando intravit in templum, non habuit unde unum agnum emeret, quem offerret pro filio, sed emit turtures vel columbas. Unde rationabile est credere, quod raagna fuit oblatio Magorum, et quod Domina zelans paupertatem, quia plena charitate, dedit eam pauperibus, Vides praeconium paupertatis, et in duobus hic attende. Primo, quia hodie puer Jesus eleemosynam recepit ut pauper^ et etiam mater sua.

Secundo, quia non solum non curabant acquirere, vel congregare; sed etiam quae dabantur, retinere nolebant, semper in eis crescebat desideriura paupertatis. Sed numquid circa hurailitatera aliquid attendisti? Si bene advertitur, etiam humilitatis cernitur profunditas. Sunt enim qui se viles et abjectos reputant in animo suo, et in oculis suis non extolluntur: sed non sic esse volunt in oculis aliorumj nec patiuntur vilipendi ab aliis, vel derideri, et suara vilitatem, vel defectus nolunt aliis innotescere, ne vilipendantur; Nou sic lecithodie puer Jesus omnium Dominus, qui et aliis suis et sua vilia patere voluit, ct non parvis aut paucis, sed magnis et multis, scilicet regibus, et sociis eorum quampluribus; et in tali casu et tcmpore, in quo multum erat timendum. Nam cum illi venirent ut invenirent Regem Judaeorum, quem etiam Deum esse putabant, dubitare poterant, nc tahbus de ipso visis, reputantes se fatuos et delusos, recederent sine fide et devotione; sed non diraisit humilitatis amator, dans nobis exemplum,ne sub specie alicujus apparentis boni, recedamus ab humilitate: et quod diseamus etiam in aliorum oculis vilesetabjecti velle apparere

Scripture echoes

  1. ↩John.2.1-John.2.11 — On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, John.2.2 — And Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding. John.2.3 — And when the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." John.2.4 — And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." John.2.5 — His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." John.2.6 — Now there were six stone water jars standing there, used for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding two or three measures. John.2.7 — Jesus said to them, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them to the brim. John.2.8 — "And he said to them, 'Now draw some out, and take it to the head steward.' And they brought it." John.2.9 — When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew—the master of the banquet called the bridegroom John.2.10 — and says to him, 'Every man serves the good wine first, and when they have drunk freely, then the lesser. You have kept the good wine until now.' John.2.11 — Jesus did this, the first of the signs, at Cana in Galilee, and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
  2. ↩Matt.14.13-Matt.14.21 — When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself; and when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities. Matt.14.14 — And when he came out, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, and he healed their sick. Matt.14.15 — When evening had come, the disciples came to him, saying, "This is a desolate place, and the hour has already passed. Send the crowds away, so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Matt.14.16 — But Jesus said to them, "They have no need to go away. You give them something to eat." Matt.14.17 — But they said to him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." Matt.14.18 — He said, "Bring them here to me." Matt.14.19 — And he directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Matt.14.20 — And they all ate and were satisfied, and they took up the leftover pieces—twelve baskets full. Matt.14.21 — Those who were eating were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
  3. ↩Matt.2.1-Matt.2.12 — Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, Matt.2.2 — Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and we have come to worship him. Matt.2.3 — But when King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matt.2.4 — And having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ is born. Matt.2.5 — But they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: Matt.2.6 — And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Matt.2.7 — Then Herod secretly called the magi and carefully ascertained from them the time the star had appeared. Matt.2.8 — And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child, and when you have found him, report to me so that I too may come and worship him." Matt.2.9 — After they had heard the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. Matt.2.10 — Seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matt.2.11 — And entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshiped him, and opening their treasures they offered him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matt.2.12 — And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their own country by another road.
  4. ↩Matt.2.1-Matt.2.2 — Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, Matt.2.2 — Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and we have come to worship him.
  5. ↩Matt.2.11 — And entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshiped him, and opening their treasures they offered him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh.
  6. ↩Matt.2.2 — Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and we have come to worship him.
  7. ↩Matt.2.1-Matt.2.12 — Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, Matt.2.2 — Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and we have come to worship him. Matt.2.3 — But when King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matt.2.4 — And having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ is born. Matt.2.5 — But they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: Matt.2.6 — And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Matt.2.7 — Then Herod secretly called the magi and carefully ascertained from them the time the star had appeared. Matt.2.8 — And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child, and when you have found him, report to me so that I too may come and worship him." Matt.2.9 — After they had heard the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. Matt.2.10 — Seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matt.2.11 — And entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshiped him, and opening their treasures they offered him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matt.2.12 — And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their own country by another road.
  8. ↩Phil.2.6-Phil.2.7 — who, existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to exploit, Phil.2.7 — but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness, and appearing as a human being.
  9. ↩Luke.1.46-Luke.1.55 — And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, Luke.1.47 — and my spirit rejoiced in God my Savior Luke.1.48 — For he has looked upon the lowliness of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. Luke.1.49 — for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke.1.50 — And his mercy is for generations and generations upon those who fear him. Luke.1.51 — He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Luke.1.52 — He has brought down rulers from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. Luke.1.53 — He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke.1.54 — He has helped his servant Israel, remembering mercy Luke.1.55 — just as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
  10. ↩Ps.44.3;Ps.46.2 — For it was not by their own sword that they took the land, nor did their own arm save them; but it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them. Ps.46.2 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
  11. ↩Matt.2.11 — And entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshiped him, and opening their treasures they offered him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh.
  12. ↩Matt.2.12 — And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their own country by another road.
  13. ↩Matt.2.1-Matt.2.12 — Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, Matt.2.2 — Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and we have come to worship him. Matt.2.3 — But when King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matt.2.4 — And having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ is born. Matt.2.5 — But they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: Matt.2.6 — And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Matt.2.7 — Then Herod secretly called the magi and carefully ascertained from them the time the star had appeared. Matt.2.8 — And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child, and when you have found him, report to me so that I too may come and worship him." Matt.2.9 — After they had heard the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. Matt.2.10 — Seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matt.2.11 — And entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshiped him, and opening their treasures they offered him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matt.2.12 — And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their own country by another road.
  14. ↩Matt.2.1-Matt.2.12 — Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, Matt.2.2 — Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and we have come to worship him. Matt.2.3 — But when King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matt.2.4 — And having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ is born. Matt.2.5 — But they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: Matt.2.6 — And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Matt.2.7 — Then Herod secretly called the magi and carefully ascertained from them the time the star had appeared. Matt.2.8 — And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child, and when you have found him, report to me so that I too may come and worship him." Matt.2.9 — After they had heard the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. Matt.2.10 — Seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matt.2.11 — And entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshiped him, and opening their treasures they offered him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matt.2.12 — And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their own country by another road.

Notes

  1. 1 ↩antiptionis: uncertain form, possibly antiphonarum; translated as 'antiphons' following the most plausible reading.
  2. 2 ↩diefacta: uncertain compound (possibly die + facta); rendered as 'things were done on that day' to capture the likely sense.
  3. 3 ↩hasc: uncertain form, likely haec; rendered as 'this.'
  4. 4 ↩fidehum: uncertain form, likely fidelium; rendered as 'of the faithful.'
  5. 5 ↩The quoted line 'Hodie caelesti sponso juncta est Ecclesia' is a liturgical text, likely from an antiphon or responsory for the Feast of the Epiphany. Its exact source remains to be confirmed.
  6. 6 ↩virlutem: variant spelling of virtutem; rendered as 'power.'
  7. 7 ↩The author claims a calendrical link between Epiphany and the multiplication of loaves and fish; this is a devotional association, not a claim about the historical date.
  8. 8 ↩The Latin 'Quahter' (normalized from an uncertain form) is rendered as 'four times' per the candidate gloss, though the precise sense is unclear; some manuscripts may intend a different numeral or adverb.
  9. 9 ↩ocuhs is a scribal variant of oculis (eyes); translated as 'eyes'.
  10. 10 ↩genlibus is an uncertain form, likely gentibus (nations/Gentiles); translated as 'nations'.
  11. 11 ↩The manuscript reads 'aon' and 'amalrix', both uncertain forms. 'aon' is treated as a negative reinforcing 'absit'; 'amalrix' (likely for 'amatrix') is rendered 'lover'. The sense is clear despite the scribal difficulty.
  12. 12 ↩The clause 'quia vultum forte avertebat ab auro, et vilipenderat' is syntactically difficult. It can be read as causal ('because she perhaps turned her face from gold and despised it') or as a parenthetical observation. The translation treats it as causal, explaining why she gave everything away so quickly.
  13. 13 ↩The manuscript reads 'tolaliter', an uncertain form, likely a scribal variant for 'totaliter'. Rendered as 'so completely'.
  14. 14 ↩The manuscript reads 'raagna', an uncertain form, likely a scribal variant for 'magna'. Rendered as 'great'.

Meditationes Vitae Christi (Pseudo-Bonaventure), Castilian court context companion

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