The Epiphany of the Lord, Sunday

Gospel: Mt 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.

Reflection:

Herod saw in Jesus a threat to his position and influence; while the Magi saw in Jesus a Saviour worthy of their greatest homage. The comfortable and established did not recognise Jesus, for they were so full of themselves but the travellers and strangers recognised and welcomed Him into their lives. We ask that we be open to the voices of strangers/fellow sojourners on earth, and to the wisdom their traditions offer. The wise men were not certain where the star would lead them but that did not deter them from following the signs of the Star and the quest of their hearts, until they were led to the Manger. God directs, plans, and guides us in our faith journey. We just have to take one step at a time moving towards our inner Light; our guiding Star, trusting in God’s direction. Let us be vigilant to the call of our Star.

Action Plan: 

In a quiet moment, examine and see if you ever considered or still consider someone as a threat to your success/happiness or influence and acted/ reacted in a regrettable manner and the underlying insecurity that led  you to it. 

Read and Reflect

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