Who were the Three Kings?

Dream of the Magi, Kelly Latimore Icons (2025)

On the Feast of the Epiphany, London Catholic Worker volunteer Harry Wills, reflected on who the Magi were and what they teach us about the meaning of the 'Other'."

One of my university teachers told us about the time he spent living in rural Africa. He was the only white Christian in a Muslim community. At first, he felt like a distrusted other'. Yet, they shared their space and resources with him and, by the end, no one could doubt the possibility of co-existence.

According to the fear and hatred of 'otherness' that has become widespread in Europe, this village ought to have met the visitor with hostility and never have shared their material means with him.

Given the history of colonialism in Africa, they certainly had more reason to distrust him than if the situation was reversed.

I was reminded of that story when looking at the Nativity according to Matthew. We are told of 'Magi from the east'. Men from a different country, religion, and language, and who were widely suspected of sorcery. And yet there was something more important than their differences that brought them to the hospitality of a poor Hebrew family in Bethlehem....

To read on see: www.londoncatholicworker.org/post/if-you-share-what-is-everlasting?