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Maybe it’s a bit like a puzzle. With pieces missing, you might be able to make out the general idea of the puzzle’s picture, but all the pieces need to be present for the picture to be complete. Each of the four readings for Epiphany is valuable in and of itself, but combined together, they give us a more complete picture. Even so, without faith, they would remain only a picture.

Isaiah prophesies the arrival of caravans of camels bearing gold and frankincense to praise the Lord. How often do we see images of the magi with camels? Matthew’s telling of the visit by the magi (the only gospel to include the magi) never mentions camels, yet they have become part of our picture of Epiphany.

The refrain for Psalm 72 proclaims the arrival of a king who will pay homage to God’s own just king. How often do we see images of the magi wearing crowns? Matthew’s telling of the visit by the magi does not describe them as kings, yet we often sing “We Three Kings” as we celebrate Epiphany.

The short passage from the letter to the Ephesians boldly states that God’s grace is revealed for all people. Matthew’s magi, representatives of the nations of the world, are a sign that Gentiles are now joined to the Jews as co-heirs and co-partners in God’s promises.

Reason and revelation work together in the journey that leads to Christ, but the journey can only be completed through the gift of faith. Using skill and science, the magi follow the star to Jerusalem where these Gentiles consult Jewish revelation for the next phase of their journey. Reason alone cannot bring them to Christ, nor can the revealed word by itself. It is, in the end, the gift of faith that makes the journey complete.

The prophesy of Isaiah, the proclamation of the psalmist, the Letter to the Ephesians and Matthew’s Gospel combine to help us see the whole picture. Is this combination of scriptures telling us that none of us has it all together, but together we may have it all? God, grant us faith that we may see more clearly.