The Epiphany of the Lord
Lectionary: 20
Lectionary: 20
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem!
Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what
you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11,
12-13
R. (cf. 11)
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Readings 2EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
AlleluiaMT 2:2
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
Meditation:
"They
fell down and worshiped Jesus"
If
Jesus truly is who he claims to be, the eternal Son of God and Savior of the
world, then why is he not recognized by everyone who hears his word and sees
his works? John the Evangelist states that when Jesus came into the world the
world knew him not and his own people received him not (John 1:10-11).
Jesus was born in obscurity. Only the lowly shepherds recognized him at his
birth. Some wise men also found their way to Bethlehem to pay homage to the
newborn King of Israel. These men were not Israelites, but foreigners. They
likely had read and discussed the Messianic prophecies and were anxious to see
when this Messianic King would appear. God led them by means of an
extraordinary star across the desert to the little town of Bethlehem where
Jesus was born.
John
Chrysostom (347-407 AD), in his homily on this passage from Matthew 2, explains
the significance of the star of Bethlehem:
"Note
how fitting was the order of events: the wise men saw the star, were received
by the Jews and their king; they heard prophecy to explain what had appeared;
the angel instructed them; and then they journeyed from Jerusalem to Bethlehem
by the guidance of the star. From all this we learn that this was not an
ordinary star, for no other star has this capacity to guide, not merely to move
but to beckon, to “go before them,” drawing and guiding them along their way.
The star remained after bringing them to the place, in order that the child
might also be seen. For there is nothing conspicuous about the place. The inn
was ordinary. The mother was not celebrated or notable. The star was needed to
manifest and illumine the lowly place, until they had reached their destination
at the manger." [The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 7:3]
In
their thirst for knowledge of God, the wise men from the East willingly left
everything, their home and country, in pursuit of that quest. In their diligent
search they were led to the source of true knowledge - to Jesus Christ, the
Light and Wisdom of God. When they found the newborn King they humbly worshiped
him and gave him gifts fitting for a king.
The
Lord of the universe who revealed the star of Bethlehem to the Gentiles of the
East so they could come and worship Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and
King of Kings (Revelations 19:16), gives each one of us the same light of
revelation to recognize and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Faith is an
entirely free gift that God makes to us. It is through the help of the Holy
Spirit, who moves the heart and opens the eyes of the mind, that we are able to
understand, accept, and believe the truth which God has revealed to us through
his Son, Jesus Christ. In faith, the human will and intellect cooperate with
grace. "Believing is an act of the intellect assenting to the
divine truth by command of the will moved by God through grace" (Thomas
Aquinas).
To
know and to encounter Jesus Christ is to know God personally. In the encounter
of the wise men with Jesus we see the plan of God to give his only Son as King
and Savior, not just for the Jewish people but for all the nations as well. The
Lord Jesus came that both Jew and Gentile might find true and lasting peace
with God. Let us pray today that Jew and Gentile alike will find the Lord
and Savior on their journey of life. Do you bring the light of Jesus Christ to
those you meet through the witness of your life and testimony?
"Lord
Jesus Christ, we thank you for bringing salvation to all the nations. May the
gospel of salvation be proclaimed to every nation today and to every person on
the face of the earth. Help me to be a good witness of the joy of the
gospel to all I meet."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: The glory of Christ's divinity is
revealed, by Chromatius (died 406 AD)
"Let
us now observe how glorious was the dignity that attended the King after his
birth, after the magi in their journey remained obedient to the star. For
immediately the magi fell to their knees and adored the one born as Lord. There
in his very cradle they venerated him with offerings of gifts, though Jesus was
merely a whimpering infant. They perceived one thing with the eyes of their
bodies but another with the eyes of the mind. The lowliness of the body he
assumed was discerned, but the glory of his divinity is now made manifest. A
boy he is, but it is God who is adored. How inexpressible is the mystery of his
divine honor! The invisible and eternal nature did not hesitate to take on the
weaknesses of the flesh on our behalf. The Son of God, who is God of the
universe, is born a human being in the flesh. He permits himself to be placed
in a manger, and the heavens are within the manger. He is kept in a cradle, a
cradle that the world cannot hold. He is heard in the voice of a crying infant.
This is the same one for whose voice the whole world would tremble in the hour
of his passion. Thus he is the One, the God of glory and the Lord of majesty,
whom as a tiny infant the magi recognize. It is he who while a child was truly
God and King eternal. To him Isaiah pointed, saying, 'For a boy has been born
to you; a son has been given to you, a son whose empire has been forged on his
shoulders (Isaiah 9:6).'" (excerpt from TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 5:1)
[Note:
Chromatius was an early Christian scholar and bishop of Aquileia, Italy. He was
a close friend of John Chrysostom and Jerome. He died in 406 AD. Jerome
described him as a "most learned and most holy man."]
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
Opening Prayer
Holy and generous God, in your great love you have revealed yourself in creation. But you have done even more – you have revealed yourself in your Son, our Lord Jesus. By believing in and following Him, we are led to eternal life with you. Help us not to be like King Herod, who, threatened by your revelation, tried to kill Jesus. Help us to be like the magi so that when we see your revelation, we will be filled with delight. We make our prayer in the name of Jesus the Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Introduction
Epiphany means revelation or manifestation. Epiphany was originally an Eastern Church celebration. It was originally and primarily a celebration of baptism, the first Epiphany or manifestation. As the celebration moved westward, it took on the meaning of the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles. The central point of this celebration is that God’s salvation is intended not only for the people of Israel, but for all people.
Epiphany is now celebrated as the 12th day of Christmas and its celebration seems to predate the celebration of Christmas itself. The Greek word “epiphany”, meaning manifestation or appearance was used most often in ancient times to describe the king or ruler “showing himself” before the people of the nation. During epiphany we see how God epiphanies Himself through Jesus. It is the people of God empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit who reveal the risen Christ to the world through acts of creation, love, healing, and liberation. We of the Church are called to be an ever-unfolding epiphany of God’s love and power to the dark world seeking desperately for such epiphanies.
The 12th night is a familiar title of a Shakespearian play and comes from European heritage where 12th night parish parties are (or were) celebrated. These parties have carried over into the Mardi Gras tradition. During the party, at the appointed time, the king cake is brought out. Hidden in the cake are three beans or coins. Those who find the “prizes” are crowned kings or queens for the evening. While the “royalty” are being outfitted for their office, the Christmas tree is stripped of all ornaments (German Lutherans call this “plundering the tree”). The tree is removed from the room and saved for the Lenten season when it is stripped of its branches and made into a processional cross.
Tradition also celebrates the arrival of the wise men at this time.
1st Reading - Isaiah 60:1-6
Today’s Old Testament reading is one of Isaiah’s “Songs of the First Return” which are a lyrical description of the new Jerusalem as Israel is gathered from different places and restored.
1 Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
An extraordinary illumination, as though God were, by His presence in the city, radiating a dazzling light [see Deuteronomy 33:2, Malachi 4:1 (3:19 in NAB & NJB) where fiery love (the fire of judgment and refining) is described]. Like a sunrise, darkness immediately surrenders to the brilliant light, there is neither dawn nor dusk. [Verses 1-3 have been seen by some commentators as the source of Revelation 12].
2 See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. 3 Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. 4 Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: Your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Literally, verse 4d reads “your daughters are carried on the hips of their nurses.”
5 Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, For the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. 6 Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
Those who are from Midian, Ephah, and Sheba are all descendants of Abraham (Genesis 25:1-4). God’s chosen people who were scattered long ago now come to participate in their ancient inheritance promised by God’s covenant with Abraham. One day all nations will become God’s children (Romans 4:17; 8:16-17).
2nd Reading - Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Our second reading was written while Paul was in prison (verses 4:1; 6:20). “Prisoner” is a title of honor, a distinction that the preacher has gained for having borne witness to the truth. It is the mark of a true apostle (2 Corinthians 11:23; 6:4-5; Luke 21:12).
2 [Y]ou have heard
A possible indication that some readers did not know Paul directly
of the stewardship
A ministry; not a task, but a realization of God’s plan
of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit,
God’s favor was shown to Paul not for himself but for others.
3 (namely, that) the mystery was made known to me by revelation. 5 [It] was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, 6 that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
The Jews are God’s chosen people, his family. The Gentiles are now part of this family which forms the new Israel and shares in the inheritance (Romans 8:16-17).
Gospel - Matthew 2:1-12
Today’s Gospel reading has been called “The Worship of the Magi”. Matthew and Luke both have accounts of the conception and birth of Jesus and some of the incidents that followed the birth. Neither Mark nor John address this period in Jesus’ life. Matthew’s version is greatly affected by the use of Old Testament texts. The magi seek a king, and Herod consults the religious experts of Judaism to find out where they should look. Of this there is no doubt, they should look not in Jerusalem, but in Bethlehem – the city of David.
1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,
Four different Herods are mentioned in the New Testament. The first is Herod the Great, referred to in this passage and the next; the second is his son, Herod Antiapas, who had John the Baptist beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12) and who abused our Lord during His Passion (Luke 23:7-11); the third, Herod Agrippa I, a nephew of Herod the Great, who executed the apostle James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3), imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:4-7), and died suddenly and mysteriously (Acts 12:20-23). The fourth, Herod Agrippa II, was Herod Agrippa I’s son – it was before him that Paul answered Jewish accusations when he was a prisoner in Caesarea (Acts 23:23). Herod the Great, who appears here, was the son of non-Jewish (Arab) parents. He came to power with the aid of and as a vassal of the Romans, particularly Marc Antony (see Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 14.13.1’324-326). He was a consummate politician and among other things he rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem on a lavish scale. Herod the Great had a persecution complex; everywhere he saw rivals to his throne. He was notorious for his cruelty: he killed over half of his 10 wives, some of his children, and many people of standing. He died in 4 BC.
behold, magi
Wise men, astrologers. Originally the term designated the learned priestly caste of the Persians; later it came to mean anyone skilled in occult knowledge and power (magicians), or a charlatan or trickster. The word is not used in an abusive or derogatory sense here by Matthew and the mention of the star shows that they are wise men who study the stars (astrologers). Nothing else is said about them. Since they are not Jews, they can be considered to be the very first gentiles to receive the call to salvation in Christ.
from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
This suggests Mesopotamia, the home of astrology in the Greek (Hellenistic) world.
2 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
The Jews had made known throughout the East their hope of a Messiah. The wise men knew of this expected Messiah, king of the Jews. According to ideas widely accepted at the time, this sort of person, because of his significance in world history, would have a star connected with his birth (Numbers 24:17-19, which many of the Church fathers have interpreted as messianic prophecy, but it is not quoted in the New Testament).
We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
When the leader gets stirred up, the populace gets agitated too; especially with the reputation which Herod had. In all Jewish circles at the time of Jesus, the hope was widespread that the Messiah would come soon. The general idea was that he would be a king, like a new and even greater David. Herod’s worry is therefore all the more understandable: he governed the Jews with the aid of the Romans and cruelly and jealously guarded his crown. Due to his political ambition and lack of a religious sense, Herod saw a potential messiah-king as a dangerous rival to his own worldly power.
4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
In the time of Jesus, both Herod’s monarchy and the occupying Romans recognized the Sanhedrin as the representative body of the Jewish people. The Sanhedrin was, therefore, the nation’s supreme council which ruled on day-to-day affairs, both religious and civil. Following Exodus 24:1-9 and Numbers 11:16, the Sanhedrin was composed of 70 members presided over by the high priest. The members were elected from three groupings:
1) The chief priests, that is, the leaders of the principal priestly families; it was these families who appointed the high priest (the chief priests also included anybody who had formerly held the high priesthood).
2) The elders, or leaders of the most important families.
3) The scribes, who were teachers of the Law or experts in legal and religious matters – the majority of these scribes were Pharisees.
In this passage, only the 1st and 3rd groups are mentioned. This is understandable since the elders would have no authority in the matter of the birth of the Messiah – a purely religious question.
he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
Quotes Micah 5:2 (Micah 5:1 in NAB & NJB). It is worth noting that Jewish tradition interpreted this prophecy as predicting the Messiah’s exact place of birth and as referring to a particular person. The prophesies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus the Christ. The text quoted here is not a direct quotation from either the Hebrew or Greek texts but is colored by 2 Samuel 5:2, the offer of kingship to David made by the elders of Israel.
7 Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
Looks forward to verses 13-23 when the male children born around this time will be slain
8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”
Not to adore Him, but to dispose of Him. Such was Herod’s exclusively political view of things.
9 After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The prophets and the psalmists foretold that the kings of the earth would pay homage to God at the time of the Messiah (Isaiah 49:23). They would offer him their treasures (Isaiah 60:5-6) and adore Him (Psalm 72:10-15). Through the action of these wise men, these prophecies begin to be fulfilled; although there is no indication that these wise men were kings or emissaries of kings. The gifts offered were those most valued in the East and have symbolic meanings:
• Gold - A symbol of royalty and Jesus’ kingship
• Frankincense - A symbol of Jesus’ divine priesthood
• Myrrh - A burial spice and symbol of Jesus’ death to redeem us.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
The involvement of the wise men ends with an act of obedience and cooperation with God’s plan.
Notice that throughout this story, nowhere is it stated how many magi there were. In later Christian tradition they became known as kings (in fulfillment of the prophecy) and their number was settled at three; deduced from the number of gifts. Eventually, they were named Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior in the Western Church, and Caspar became a black. They were understood as representatives of the Gentile world in all its racial diversity who come to Christ.
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
Opening Prayer
Holy and generous God, in your great love you have revealed yourself in creation. But you have done even more – you have revealed yourself in your Son, our Lord Jesus. By believing in and following Him, we are led to eternal life with you. Help us not to be like King Herod, who, threatened by your revelation, tried to kill Jesus. Help us to be like the magi so that when we see your revelation, we will be filled with delight. We make our prayer in the name of Jesus the Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Introduction
Epiphany means revelation or manifestation. Epiphany was originally an Eastern Church celebration. It was originally and primarily a celebration of baptism, the first Epiphany or manifestation. As the celebration moved westward, it took on the meaning of the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles. The central point of this celebration is that God’s salvation is intended not only for the people of Israel, but for all people.
Epiphany is now celebrated as the 12th day of Christmas and its celebration seems to predate the celebration of Christmas itself. The Greek word “epiphany”, meaning manifestation or appearance was used most often in ancient times to describe the king or ruler “showing himself” before the people of the nation. During epiphany we see how God epiphanies Himself through Jesus. It is the people of God empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit who reveal the risen Christ to the world through acts of creation, love, healing, and liberation. We of the Church are called to be an ever-unfolding epiphany of God’s love and power to the dark world seeking desperately for such epiphanies.
The 12th night is a familiar title of a Shakespearian play and comes from European heritage where 12th night parish parties are (or were) celebrated. These parties have carried over into the Mardi Gras tradition. During the party, at the appointed time, the king cake is brought out. Hidden in the cake are three beans or coins. Those who find the “prizes” are crowned kings or queens for the evening. While the “royalty” are being outfitted for their office, the Christmas tree is stripped of all ornaments (German Lutherans call this “plundering the tree”). The tree is removed from the room and saved for the Lenten season when it is stripped of its branches and made into a processional cross.
Tradition also celebrates the arrival of the wise men at this time.
1st Reading - Isaiah 60:1-6
Today’s Old Testament reading is one of Isaiah’s “Songs of the First Return” which are a lyrical description of the new Jerusalem as Israel is gathered from different places and restored.
1 Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
An extraordinary illumination, as though God were, by His presence in the city, radiating a dazzling light [see Deuteronomy 33:2, Malachi 4:1 (3:19 in NAB & NJB) where fiery love (the fire of judgment and refining) is described]. Like a sunrise, darkness immediately surrenders to the brilliant light, there is neither dawn nor dusk. [Verses 1-3 have been seen by some commentators as the source of Revelation 12].
2 See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. 3 Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. 4 Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: Your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Literally, verse 4d reads “your daughters are carried on the hips of their nurses.”
5 Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, For the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. 6 Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
Those who are from Midian, Ephah, and Sheba are all descendants of Abraham (Genesis 25:1-4). God’s chosen people who were scattered long ago now come to participate in their ancient inheritance promised by God’s covenant with Abraham. One day all nations will become God’s children (Romans 4:17; 8:16-17).
2nd Reading - Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Our second reading was written while Paul was in prison (verses 4:1; 6:20). “Prisoner” is a title of honor, a distinction that the preacher has gained for having borne witness to the truth. It is the mark of a true apostle (2 Corinthians 11:23; 6:4-5; Luke 21:12).
2 [Y]ou have heard
A possible indication that some readers did not know Paul directly
of the stewardship
A ministry; not a task, but a realization of God’s plan
of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit,
God’s favor was shown to Paul not for himself but for others.
3 (namely, that) the mystery was made known to me by revelation. 5 [It] was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, 6 that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
The Jews are God’s chosen people, his family. The Gentiles are now part of this family which forms the new Israel and shares in the inheritance (Romans 8:16-17).
Gospel - Matthew 2:1-12
Today’s Gospel reading has been called “The Worship of the Magi”. Matthew and Luke both have accounts of the conception and birth of Jesus and some of the incidents that followed the birth. Neither Mark nor John address this period in Jesus’ life. Matthew’s version is greatly affected by the use of Old Testament texts. The magi seek a king, and Herod consults the religious experts of Judaism to find out where they should look. Of this there is no doubt, they should look not in Jerusalem, but in Bethlehem – the city of David.
1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,
Four different Herods are mentioned in the New Testament. The first is Herod the Great, referred to in this passage and the next; the second is his son, Herod Antiapas, who had John the Baptist beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12) and who abused our Lord during His Passion (Luke 23:7-11); the third, Herod Agrippa I, a nephew of Herod the Great, who executed the apostle James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3), imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:4-7), and died suddenly and mysteriously (Acts 12:20-23). The fourth, Herod Agrippa II, was Herod Agrippa I’s son – it was before him that Paul answered Jewish accusations when he was a prisoner in Caesarea (Acts 23:23). Herod the Great, who appears here, was the son of non-Jewish (Arab) parents. He came to power with the aid of and as a vassal of the Romans, particularly Marc Antony (see Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 14.13.1’324-326). He was a consummate politician and among other things he rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem on a lavish scale. Herod the Great had a persecution complex; everywhere he saw rivals to his throne. He was notorious for his cruelty: he killed over half of his 10 wives, some of his children, and many people of standing. He died in 4 BC.
behold, magi
Wise men, astrologers. Originally the term designated the learned priestly caste of the Persians; later it came to mean anyone skilled in occult knowledge and power (magicians), or a charlatan or trickster. The word is not used in an abusive or derogatory sense here by Matthew and the mention of the star shows that they are wise men who study the stars (astrologers). Nothing else is said about them. Since they are not Jews, they can be considered to be the very first gentiles to receive the call to salvation in Christ.
from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
This suggests Mesopotamia, the home of astrology in the Greek (Hellenistic) world.
2 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
The Jews had made known throughout the East their hope of a Messiah. The wise men knew of this expected Messiah, king of the Jews. According to ideas widely accepted at the time, this sort of person, because of his significance in world history, would have a star connected with his birth (Numbers 24:17-19, which many of the Church fathers have interpreted as messianic prophecy, but it is not quoted in the New Testament).
We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
When the leader gets stirred up, the populace gets agitated too; especially with the reputation which Herod had. In all Jewish circles at the time of Jesus, the hope was widespread that the Messiah would come soon. The general idea was that he would be a king, like a new and even greater David. Herod’s worry is therefore all the more understandable: he governed the Jews with the aid of the Romans and cruelly and jealously guarded his crown. Due to his political ambition and lack of a religious sense, Herod saw a potential messiah-king as a dangerous rival to his own worldly power.
4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
In the time of Jesus, both Herod’s monarchy and the occupying Romans recognized the Sanhedrin as the representative body of the Jewish people. The Sanhedrin was, therefore, the nation’s supreme council which ruled on day-to-day affairs, both religious and civil. Following Exodus 24:1-9 and Numbers 11:16, the Sanhedrin was composed of 70 members presided over by the high priest. The members were elected from three groupings:
1) The chief priests, that is, the leaders of the principal priestly families; it was these families who appointed the high priest (the chief priests also included anybody who had formerly held the high priesthood).
2) The elders, or leaders of the most important families.
3) The scribes, who were teachers of the Law or experts in legal and religious matters – the majority of these scribes were Pharisees.
In this passage, only the 1st and 3rd groups are mentioned. This is understandable since the elders would have no authority in the matter of the birth of the Messiah – a purely religious question.
he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
Quotes Micah 5:2 (Micah 5:1 in NAB & NJB). It is worth noting that Jewish tradition interpreted this prophecy as predicting the Messiah’s exact place of birth and as referring to a particular person. The prophesies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus the Christ. The text quoted here is not a direct quotation from either the Hebrew or Greek texts but is colored by 2 Samuel 5:2, the offer of kingship to David made by the elders of Israel.
7 Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
Looks forward to verses 13-23 when the male children born around this time will be slain
8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”
Not to adore Him, but to dispose of Him. Such was Herod’s exclusively political view of things.
9 After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The prophets and the psalmists foretold that the kings of the earth would pay homage to God at the time of the Messiah (Isaiah 49:23). They would offer him their treasures (Isaiah 60:5-6) and adore Him (Psalm 72:10-15). Through the action of these wise men, these prophecies begin to be fulfilled; although there is no indication that these wise men were kings or emissaries of kings. The gifts offered were those most valued in the East and have symbolic meanings:
• Gold - A symbol of royalty and Jesus’ kingship
• Frankincense - A symbol of Jesus’ divine priesthood
• Myrrh - A burial spice and symbol of Jesus’ death to redeem us.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
The involvement of the wise men ends with an act of obedience and cooperation with God’s plan.
Notice that throughout this story, nowhere is it stated how many magi there were. In later Christian tradition they became known as kings (in fulfillment of the prophecy) and their number was settled at three; deduced from the number of gifts. Eventually, they were named Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior in the Western Church, and Caspar became a black. They were understood as representatives of the Gentile world in all its racial diversity who come to Christ.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS http://www.scborromeo.org
SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, MATTHEW 2:1-12
(Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6)
KEY VERSE: "We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage" (v. 2).
TO KNOW: Matthew wrote his gospel to a Jewish audience to show that Jesus was the fulfillment of their longings for a Messiah (see genealogy, Mt 1:1-17). He also wanted to show that God's salvation would reach "to the end of the earth" (Is 49:6). Matthew communicated this intention by having gentiles (Greek, ethnos) coming to visit the Holy Family in Bethlehem. These "wise men" (Greek: magi, astrologers) believed that a new star signaled the birth of a new ruler, and they had "observed his star at its rising" (Nm 24:17). The magi came from the East, where the sun rises, and the star guided them to Jesus, the true light that was to come into the world. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they asked King Herod the Great where they could find the newborn king of the Jews. Herod's advisers told him that the prophet Micah foretold the birth of a Messiah in Bethlehem, the birthplace of David where he was also anointed king (Mi 5:2). Fearing that this child would be a threat to his throne, Herod sent the magi to search for the newborn king on the pretense of offering him homage. The star illuminated the way to the Christ child and Mary his mother. The magi offered the child Jesus gifts that signified his kingship (gold), priesthood (frankincense) and his saving death (myrrh, used in anointing the dead). The magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they returned "by another way" (v. 12). We are all invited to discover the Lord; however, after encountering Christ we cannot return to our old ways. We must travel in a different direction--the path that leads to Jesus.
TO LOVE: What are the gifts that I can offer the Lord?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to seek you in all I do.
NOTE: The word "epiphany" means a manifestation or an appearance of a supernatural being. Because the magi brought three gifts, legend made them "three kings," and they were given the names of Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, MATTHEW 2:1-12
(Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6)
KEY VERSE: "We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage" (v. 2).
TO KNOW: Matthew wrote his gospel to a Jewish audience to show that Jesus was the fulfillment of their longings for a Messiah (see genealogy, Mt 1:1-17). He also wanted to show that God's salvation would reach "to the end of the earth" (Is 49:6). Matthew communicated this intention by having gentiles (Greek, ethnos) coming to visit the Holy Family in Bethlehem. These "wise men" (Greek: magi, astrologers) believed that a new star signaled the birth of a new ruler, and they had "observed his star at its rising" (Nm 24:17). The magi came from the East, where the sun rises, and the star guided them to Jesus, the true light that was to come into the world. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they asked King Herod the Great where they could find the newborn king of the Jews. Herod's advisers told him that the prophet Micah foretold the birth of a Messiah in Bethlehem, the birthplace of David where he was also anointed king (Mi 5:2). Fearing that this child would be a threat to his throne, Herod sent the magi to search for the newborn king on the pretense of offering him homage. The star illuminated the way to the Christ child and Mary his mother. The magi offered the child Jesus gifts that signified his kingship (gold), priesthood (frankincense) and his saving death (myrrh, used in anointing the dead). The magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they returned "by another way" (v. 12). We are all invited to discover the Lord; however, after encountering Christ we cannot return to our old ways. We must travel in a different direction--the path that leads to Jesus.
TO LOVE: What are the gifts that I can offer the Lord?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to seek you in all I do.
NOTE: The word "epiphany" means a manifestation or an appearance of a supernatural being. Because the magi brought three gifts, legend made them "three kings," and they were given the names of Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
Sunday 5 January 2020
The Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6. Psalm 71(72):1-2, 7-8, 10-13. Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6. Matthew 2:1-12.
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you – Psalm 71(72):1-2, 7-8, 10-13
The glory and light of our Lord will shine on us constantly.
Isaiah 60:1-6. Psalm 71(72):1-2, 7-8, 10-13. Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6. Matthew 2:1-12.
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you – Psalm 71(72):1-2, 7-8, 10-13
The glory and light of our Lord will shine on us constantly.
The more I read this piece from Isaiah the more I see it
contains everything required for complete happiness. The glory and light of our
Lord will shine on us constantly and we will never be without Our Lord’s
presence. People will be drawn to Our Lord within us. Our children will come
home to the Lord from afar, the wealth of the nations will be brought to us and
we will tremble with excitement as the people tell the good news of what the
Lord has done. What a wonderful future to look forward to as this New Year
begins!
In the Gospel, we learn that so soon after celebrating the birth
of Jesus, the first threats to His safety begin to appear. It involved the
wrath of a King and it was dealt with by the God of wisdom. So Mary and
Joseph’s visitors are not known as the three wise men for nothing. Lord, help
us to see the threats to our peace, our faith and our spiritual well-being, and
bless us with the wisdom you offered to these men from the East.
Saint John Neumann
Saint of the Day for January 5
(March 28, 1811 – January 5, 1860)
Saint John Neumann’s Story
Perhaps because the United States got a later start in the
history of the world, it has relatively few canonized saints, but their number
is increasing.
John Neumann was born in what is now the Czech Republic. After
studying in Prague, he came to New York at 25 and was ordained a priest. He did
missionary work in New York until he was 29, when he joined the Redemptorists
and became its first member to profess vows in the United States. He continued
missionary work in Maryland, Virginia and Ohio, where he became popular with
the Germans.
At 41, as bishop of Philadelphia, he organized the parochial
school system into a diocesan one, increasing the number of pupils almost
twentyfold within a short time.
Gifted with outstanding organizing ability, he drew into the
city many teaching communities of sisters and the Christian Brothers. During
his brief assignment as vice provincial for the Redemptorists, he placed them
in the forefront of the parochial movement.
Well-known for his holiness and learning, spiritual writing and
preaching, on October 13, 1963, John Neumann became the first American bishop
to be beatified. Canonized in 1977, he is buried in St. Peter the Apostle
Church in Philadelphia.
Reflection
Neumann took seriously our Lord’s words, “Go and teach all
nations.” From Christ he received his instructions and the power to carry them
out. For Christ does not give a mission without supplying the means to
accomplish it. The Father’s gift in Christ to John Neumann was his exceptional
organizing ability, which he used to spread the Good News. Today the Church is
in dire need of men and women to continue in our times the teaching of the Good
News. The obstacles and inconveniences are real and costly. Yet when Christians
approach Christ, he supplies the necessary talents to answer today’s needs. The
Spirit of Christ continues his work through the instrumentality of generous
Christians.
Lectio Divina: Epiphany of the Lord
Lectio Divina
Sunday, January 5, 2020
The Magi’s journey of faith
The adoration of the child Jesus as King and Lord
Matthew 2:1-12
The adoration of the child Jesus as King and Lord
Matthew 2:1-12
1. Opening prayer
Merciful Father, You have called me to meet You in this word of
the Gospel, because You wish that I may have life, You wish to give me
Yourself. Send, I pray You, Your Holy Spirit upon me so that I may let myself
be led along the holy way of this passage of Scripture.
May I, today, get out of my prison to set out on a journey to
seek You. May I recognize the star that You have lit as a sign of Your love on my
journey to follow it tirelessly, intensely, committing my whole life. May I,
finally, enter Your house and there see the Lord; may I bend low humbly before
You to adore You and offer my life to You, all that I am and all that I have.
Lord, by Your grace, may I return by a new route, without ever passing through
the old paths of sin.
2. Reading
a) Placing the passage in its context:
This passage belongs to the first two chapters of Matthew’s
Gospel, which constitute a kind of prologue to the whole work. We are presented
with the historical origin of the Messiah as son of David, as well as His
divine origin as Jesus Christ, God-with-us. Matthew immediately leads us into a
very deep and engaging meditation, placing before us a choice about the people
he introduces in his story: we either recognize and welcome the Lord who is
just born, or we remain indifferent, even to wanting to eliminate Him and kill
Him. This passage offers us the beautiful story of the journey of the Magi, who
come from afar because they want to seek and welcome, love and adore the Lord
Jesus. But their long journey and tireless search, and the conversion of their
hearts, are facts that speak of us, facts already written on the scroll of our
own sacred story.
b) An aid to the reading of the passage:
The passage may be divided into two main parts, determined by
the location where the scenes take place: the first part (2:1-9a) takes place
in Jerusalem, and the second part is focused around Bethlehem (2:9b-12).
Mt 2:1-2: The passage begins with the place and time of the birth of Jesus: in Bethlehem of Judea, at the time of King Herod. Within this quite specific description, the Magi suddenly appear, coming from afar, and arriving in Jerusalem under the guidance of a star. It is they who announce the birth of the Lord King. They ask where they might find Him because they wish to adore Him.
Mt 2:3-6: On hearing the words of the Magi, king Herod, and with him all of Jerusalem, is disturbed and afraid. Rather than welcoming the Lord and joining Him, they seek to eliminate Him. Herod calls the authorities of the Jewish people and the experts in scripture. It is they, with the help of ancient prophecies, who reveal Bethlehem as the place to find the Messiah.
Mt 2:7-8: Herod calls the Magi in secret because he wants to use them for his own evil ends. His detailed interest is entirely directed towards the elimination of Christ.
Mt 2:9a: The Magi, urged by strength of faith and led by the star, leave again and go towards Bethlehem.
Mt 2:9b-11: The star reappears, moves with the Magi and leads them to the exact spot where the Lord Jesus is. Full of joy, they enter the house and prostrate themselves. They offer precious gifts because they recognize that He is king and Lord.
Mt 2:12: When they have contemplated and adored the Lord, the Magi receive a revelation from God. It is He who speaks to them. They are new men. They have in them a new heaven and a new earth. They are free of the deceits of Herod and therefore they go back to their lives by an entirely new way
Mt 2:1-2: The passage begins with the place and time of the birth of Jesus: in Bethlehem of Judea, at the time of King Herod. Within this quite specific description, the Magi suddenly appear, coming from afar, and arriving in Jerusalem under the guidance of a star. It is they who announce the birth of the Lord King. They ask where they might find Him because they wish to adore Him.
Mt 2:3-6: On hearing the words of the Magi, king Herod, and with him all of Jerusalem, is disturbed and afraid. Rather than welcoming the Lord and joining Him, they seek to eliminate Him. Herod calls the authorities of the Jewish people and the experts in scripture. It is they, with the help of ancient prophecies, who reveal Bethlehem as the place to find the Messiah.
Mt 2:7-8: Herod calls the Magi in secret because he wants to use them for his own evil ends. His detailed interest is entirely directed towards the elimination of Christ.
Mt 2:9a: The Magi, urged by strength of faith and led by the star, leave again and go towards Bethlehem.
Mt 2:9b-11: The star reappears, moves with the Magi and leads them to the exact spot where the Lord Jesus is. Full of joy, they enter the house and prostrate themselves. They offer precious gifts because they recognize that He is king and Lord.
Mt 2:12: When they have contemplated and adored the Lord, the Magi receive a revelation from God. It is He who speaks to them. They are new men. They have in them a new heaven and a new earth. They are free of the deceits of Herod and therefore they go back to their lives by an entirely new way
c) The text:
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King
Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is
the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star at its rising and have come to do
Him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In
Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you,
Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel."
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the
star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search
diligently for the child. When you have found Him, bring me word, that I too
may go and do Him homage." After their audience with the king they set
out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until
it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at
seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary His
mother. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. Then they opened their
treasures and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having
been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country
by another way.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
I listen deeply to the silent voice of the Lord and let the
breath of the Spirit come to me and infuse me. In this silence I seek the Lord
and repeat in my heart: “Where are You, my God?”
4. A few questions
a) I take the first words that come from the mouths of the Magi
and make them my own: “Where is the infant king of the Jews?” Do I
really feel attracted to the place where the Lord is because I desire to be with
Him? Am I ready to leave the dark and old places of my habits and my comfort,
to undertake a journey of faith in search of Jesus?
b) “We have come to adore Him”. Here the Word of the Lord tests me and puts me through a crucible: do I really live in a relationship of love with God? Am I able to open my life in His presence and allow Him to enter into my very heartbeats?
c) “From you will come a leader who will shepherd My people”. Am I capable of placing and giving my whole existence to the guidance of the Lord? To trust in Him, in His love, in His real presence, even though He remains invisible?
d) “Going into the house they saw the child”. It is precisely because they accept to go into the house, to enter into communion, to give themselves fully and truly, that their eyes can see, contemplate, and recognize. Am I not aware of the fact that the more I stay outside, the more I am distant from the life of my brothers and sisters and the more I become sad and empty?
b) “We have come to adore Him”. Here the Word of the Lord tests me and puts me through a crucible: do I really live in a relationship of love with God? Am I able to open my life in His presence and allow Him to enter into my very heartbeats?
c) “From you will come a leader who will shepherd My people”. Am I capable of placing and giving my whole existence to the guidance of the Lord? To trust in Him, in His love, in His real presence, even though He remains invisible?
d) “Going into the house they saw the child”. It is precisely because they accept to go into the house, to enter into communion, to give themselves fully and truly, that their eyes can see, contemplate, and recognize. Am I not aware of the fact that the more I stay outside, the more I am distant from the life of my brothers and sisters and the more I become sad and empty?
5. A key to the reading
I look for some key words, some basic themes, that may guide and
help me better penetrate the meaning of this passage of the Gospel, so that my
life may be enlightened and changed by this Word of the Lord.
* The journey: This passage seems to be
given the theme of a journey, an exodus, a going out. The Magi, these
mysterious characters, get moving, go far away from their land and go seeking
the king, the Lord. Matthew presents this fact by means of some verbs that
proceed along with the development of the event: “came, we have come,
sent them, go, set out, went before them, going
into, not to go back, returned.” The physical journey of
the Magi hides a much more important and meaningful journey: the journey of
faith. This is the movement of the soul born from a desire to meet and know the
Lord. At the same time it is God’s invitation which calls and attracts us with
His own power. It is He who gets us to stand up and sets us in motion and who
offers us signs and does not cease to walk with us. Scripture gives us many
important examples, and these help us enter into this path of grace and
blessings. God said to Abraham: “Leave your country, your family and your father’s
house, for the land I will show you” (Gen 12:1). Jacob was also a pilgrim of
faith and conversion. It is written about him: “Jacob left Beersheba and set
out for Haran” (Gen 28:10), and: “Moving on, Jacob went to the land of the sons
of the East” (Gen 29:1). Many years later, the Lord spoke to him and said: “Go
back to the land of your forefathers and to your kindred; and I will be with
you” (Gen 31:3). Moses was also a man on a journey. God Himself showed him the
way, the exodus, in his heart, and made his whole life a long march of
salvation for him and for his brothers and sisters. “So come, I send you to
Pharaoh to bring the sons of Israel, My people, out of Egypt!” (Ex 3:10). As
the new people of God, we are the children of the promise and of the new
covenant and are called to go out, setting out on a journey in the footsteps of
the Lord Jesus. The exodus never ceased. The liberation that comes from faith
is always active. Let us look at Jesus, at His apostles, at Paul: not one of
them stands still, not one of them hides. All these witnesses speak to us today
by their deeds and they repeat, “Blessed is he who finds in You his strength
and one who decides in his heart to go on the holy journey” (Ps 83:6).
* The star: This is a very important and central
element in this passage because the star has the role of guiding the Magi to
their destination, enlightening their nights along the journey, indicating
precisely the place of the presence of the Lord, and giving great joy to their
hearts. Throughout the Bible, stars appear as signs of blessing and glory,
almost as a personification of God, who does not abandon His people, and at the
same time, is a personification of the people that does not forget its God and
praises and blesses Him (cf. Ps 148:3; Bar 3:34). The word star appears
for the first time in Scripture in Genesis 1:16. On the fourth day the story of
creation tells us of the appearance in the heavens of the sun, the moon and
stars, as signs and as light, to set order and give light. The Jewish term for
“star” kokhab is very beautiful and full of meaning. In fact,
the letters that make up the word reveal the immensity of the presence that
these celestial elements bring with them. We find two letters kaf, which
signify “hand” and which enclose the letter waw which means man. Thus, within
the stars there are two hands, kaf and kaf, that lovingly hold within them waw,
man. These are the hands of God that never cease to hold us, if only we entrust
ourselves to them. Then appears the letter bet, which means house.
Thus, the stars speak of our journey towards our house, our constant migration,
from whence we have come, from the day of our creation and even from all
eternity. Often God compares the descendants of Abraham to the stars in the
heavens, almost as if each person is a star, born to give light in the night:
“Look up to heaven and count the stars if you can” and then He adds: “Such will
be your descendants” (Gen 15:5). Jesus is also a star, the star that takes its
rise from Jacob (Num 24:17), which rises from on high and is the radiant
morning star as the Apocalypse says (22:16). By taking on flesh the infinite
love of God, which bends itself down towards us, His children, opens the palms
of His hands to gather and welcome us. Only such love can give our infinite
weakness the capacity and courage, the perseverance and joy of accepting to
leave and to go on the long and arduous journey of faith which takes us to
Bethlehem, to the place where God appears to us.
* The adoration: The act of adoration is as old as
humankind itself, because since the beginning, the relationship with the divine
has been accompanied by this demand of love, humility, and self-offering.
Before the greatness of God, we little people feel and discover that we are
nothing, a speck of dust, a drop from a bucket. In the Old Testament, the act
of adoration appears as an act of deep love towards the Lord, an act that
demands the involvement of the whole person. It involves the mind, the will to
choose, love full of desire and a body that bows and prostrates itself even to
the ground. It is said in several places that the act of adoration is
accompanied by a prostration with the face touching the ground. The face of
man, his gaze, his breath returns to the dust whence he has his origin and
there he recognizes himself as creature of God, as a breath of God’s nostrils.
“Come in, let us bow, prostrate ourselves, and kneel in front of Yahweh our
maker” (Ps 94:6). This is the invitation of Scripture to us every day which
shows us the way to walk so that we may again and again come to the truth and
therefore live fully.
The New Testament goes even deeper in its spiritual reflection on this fact and seems to want to accompany us on a pedagogical journey of conversion and maturity in our interior life. In the Gospels we see the disciples, men and women, adoring the Lord Jesus after His resurrection (Mt 28:9; Lk 24:52) because they recognize Him as God. Jesus’ words in His dialogue with the Samaritan woman give us a deep insight into the truth of this act, which after all, involves the whole of life and is an attitude of the heart. Adoration is for God the Father and does not happen here or there but in Spirit and in truth, which is in the Spirit and the Son, Jesus. We must not deceive ourselves. It is not by moving from one place to another, nor by seeking this or that spiritual person, that we can adore our God. The movement, the journey, is an interior one and takes place in our deepest being and is a complete surrender of ourselves, our life, and our whole being, to the wings of the Holy Spirit and into the arms of Jesus which are wide open on the cross and ever ready to attract all things to Himself. St. Peter says clearly: “Simply reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts” (1 Pet 3:15). The act of bowing to the ground, of prostrating ourselves before the Lord comes from the heart. If we let ourselves be touched and reach into our hearts, if we allow the Lord to enter our hearts, that sacred space, then He will change us completely, transforming the whole of our person to make of us new men and women.
The New Testament goes even deeper in its spiritual reflection on this fact and seems to want to accompany us on a pedagogical journey of conversion and maturity in our interior life. In the Gospels we see the disciples, men and women, adoring the Lord Jesus after His resurrection (Mt 28:9; Lk 24:52) because they recognize Him as God. Jesus’ words in His dialogue with the Samaritan woman give us a deep insight into the truth of this act, which after all, involves the whole of life and is an attitude of the heart. Adoration is for God the Father and does not happen here or there but in Spirit and in truth, which is in the Spirit and the Son, Jesus. We must not deceive ourselves. It is not by moving from one place to another, nor by seeking this or that spiritual person, that we can adore our God. The movement, the journey, is an interior one and takes place in our deepest being and is a complete surrender of ourselves, our life, and our whole being, to the wings of the Holy Spirit and into the arms of Jesus which are wide open on the cross and ever ready to attract all things to Himself. St. Peter says clearly: “Simply reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts” (1 Pet 3:15). The act of bowing to the ground, of prostrating ourselves before the Lord comes from the heart. If we let ourselves be touched and reach into our hearts, if we allow the Lord to enter our hearts, that sacred space, then He will change us completely, transforming the whole of our person to make of us new men and women.
6. A moment of prayer: Psalm 84
A hymn concerning the trust of man
on his journey to the house of God
on his journey to the house of God
Res. I have seen Your star, Lord,
and I have come to adore You!
and I have come to adore You!
How lovely are Your dwelling-places, YHWH Sabaoth.
My whole being yearns and pines for Yahweh's courts,
My heart and my body cry out for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, the swallow a nest to place its young: Your altars, YHWH Sabaoth, my King and my God.
How blessed are those who live in Your house;
they shall praise You continually.
Blessed those who find their strength in You,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of the Balsam,
they make there a water-hole,
and -- a further blessing -- early rain fills it.
They make their way from height to height,
God shows himself to them in Zion.
YHWH Sabaoth, hear my prayer,
listen, God of Jacob.
God, our shield, look,
and see the face of Your anointed.
Better one day in Your courts than a thousand at my own devices,
to stand on the threshold of God's house
than to live in the tents of the wicked.
For Yahweh God is a rampart and shield,
He gives grace and glory;
Yahweh refuses nothing good to those whose life is blameless.
YHWH Sabaoth,
blessed is he who trusts in You.
My whole being yearns and pines for Yahweh's courts,
My heart and my body cry out for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, the swallow a nest to place its young: Your altars, YHWH Sabaoth, my King and my God.
How blessed are those who live in Your house;
they shall praise You continually.
Blessed those who find their strength in You,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of the Balsam,
they make there a water-hole,
and -- a further blessing -- early rain fills it.
They make their way from height to height,
God shows himself to them in Zion.
YHWH Sabaoth, hear my prayer,
listen, God of Jacob.
God, our shield, look,
and see the face of Your anointed.
Better one day in Your courts than a thousand at my own devices,
to stand on the threshold of God's house
than to live in the tents of the wicked.
For Yahweh God is a rampart and shield,
He gives grace and glory;
Yahweh refuses nothing good to those whose life is blameless.
YHWH Sabaoth,
blessed is he who trusts in You.
7. Closing prayer
Lord, my Father, I have really seen Your star. I have opened my
eyes to Your presence of love and salvation and I have received the light of
life. I have contemplated the night changed into light, pain into joy and
solitude into communion; yes, all this happened before You, in Your Word. You
have led me through the desert; You have led me to Your house and opened the
door for me to enter. There I saw You, Your Son Jesus, savior of my life; there
I prayed and adored, I cried and found Your smile, I kept silence and learned
to speak. In Your house, merciful Father, I have found life once more!
And now I am going back. I have resumed my journey, but the way is not the one I took before and my life is not what it was before. Your Word has left me with a new heart, capable of opening itself to love, to listen, to welcome and become home to so many brothers and sisters whom You have placed in my way. I was not aware, Lord, but You have made me into a child again. You have given birth to me with Jesus. Thank You, Father, my Father!
And now I am going back. I have resumed my journey, but the way is not the one I took before and my life is not what it was before. Your Word has left me with a new heart, capable of opening itself to love, to listen, to welcome and become home to so many brothers and sisters whom You have placed in my way. I was not aware, Lord, but You have made me into a child again. You have given birth to me with Jesus. Thank You, Father, my Father!
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