"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."
The bright star in the sky drew the magi from their distant kingdom to see the newborn King and offer him their treasures. We were drawn here today by our King, Christ the Lord, and we offer him our treasure—our hearts, our hopes, our lives. May we be that bright star for others, drawing our families, friends, and neighbors to him so that they too may find the treasure we know in the Lord.
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah’s excitement bubbles over as he describes how the glory of the Lord will attract pilgrims to Jerusalem from all over the world. Paul preaches that all people—Gentiles as well—are equal partners in this new faith, coheirs to the kingdom. In the Gospel, we hear the story of the magi, journeying to Bethlehem to offer their gifts to the newborn king. May God’s word inspire us as we make our own journeys to the new Jerusalem.
Reflections
Matthew tells us that it was only after the magi arrived and started asking questions that King Herod became greatly troubled. But he must have seen the same star they had, for Bethlehem is only about five miles from Jerusalem. Perhaps he was much too busy with official business to concern himself with a star. Perhaps he saw it, but lacking eyes of faith, he regarded it as merely an unusually bright star. Perhaps he was so full of himself that he assumed it was actually pointing to him! It appears that the magi inadvertently connected the dots for him.
Have you ever gone to a party or a gathering with a gift, only to arrive and realize that the gift is wholly inappropriate for the recipient or the occasion? Imagine what the magi felt with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh when they walked into the stable where Jesus was born. Perhaps their first thought was that they should have left those gifts in Herod’s palace. But then “they prostrated themselves and did him homage,” two things they did not do for Herod (Matthew 2:11). Despite the humble surroundings and humble parents, they recognized the king and presented their most appropriate gifts.
Herod, leader of Judea and King of the Jews, sent the magi to Bethlehem and ordered them to bring him word once they had found the newborn king. To disobey the orders of any king, let alone the king of the country in which you find yourself, was an unimaginable offense, something most people would never dream of. But in fact it was in a dream that the magi were warned not to return to Herod. Matthew tells us that the magi returned home a different way. Perhaps he is saying not only that they avoided Herod, but that their encounter with Jesus had changed them. No longer were they understanding things the same way. They changed their plans, their path, and their lives.
Question of the Week
• How has my encounter with the Lord through this Christmas season changed me? Where do I imagine my new path will lead?
-from Pastoral Patterns
readings of the mass
LISTEN HEREto the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, January 8, 2023
SELECT HEREfor the Readings of Sunday, January 8, 2023
Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS
