Gospel Reflection for The 7th day of January in the year of Our Lord, 2024
The Epiphany of the Lord
Gospel
Matthew 2:1-12
1 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. 2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. 3 And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. 5 But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet:
6 And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; 8 And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him. 9 Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. 10 And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that the Christ would become the God and savior of all nations. This is emphasized by Saint Paul’s words to the Ephesians in our second reading:
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.
For thousands of years, the Jews had waited for the promised Messiah. Most expected Him to come as a mighty king in human power. They believed He would deliver them from their enemies and servitude to the Romans. They expected Him to bring Heaven to earth, putting an end to all struggle and violence, to reign as a holy king who establish Israel as the eternal capital of the world.
Yet, our Lord came as an infant to a poor family, born in a manger and unrecognized by His people. Herod knew the prophecies of this King of the Jews and he sought to kill the child. Aside from a few poor shepherds Jesus’ birth was only recognized by his parents and these three magi… foreigners, who were not of the Hebrew people or the Jewish religion. Instead of thunderous majesty, He came with humility, as a quiet infant.
Now, we find the living Christ in the Eucharist. We may adore Him in a silent church, just as those few adored him sleeping in the manger. How easy it is to overlook this miracle in our midst!
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Gospel passages are taken from the Douay Rheims Bible.