Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Aware of the significance of the blessed star and drawn by its distinctive light, the magi traveled from distant lands to reach Bethlehem. They are the first people outside the immediate area to come and greet the newborn king. Today we gather thousands of miles from Bethlehem, not to mention over two thousand years from the holy event. Yet we too are drawn by our faith to this holy place to seek out the Son of God and do him homage. Let us in turn make Christ manifest to others wherever we go.
 

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Though Jerusalem had been laid waste by the invading Babylonian army and the Israelites were just beginning to return there, Isaiah foresaw the day when it would draw people and riches from near and far. The psalmist proclaims that all nations will adore God, for justice and peace will flower throughout the land. People of every nation, says Paul, are members of the same body of Christ as those who heard the gospel from Jesus directly. In the Gospel, the magi from the east are led by the wondrous star to the humble stable where Jesus lay. As we hear these passages, let us contemplate our faith through the eyes of an outsider.
 

Reflections

• The Israelites had finally returned to their holy city from years in exile, only to find a ruined Jerusalem and a desolate Judah. But Isaiah realized that the LORDwas with them and was determined to convince others that the LORD’s glory would shine on them, shine around them, shine through them. One by one, or in pairs, or in whole families, sons and daughters, young and old: they all returned to their homeland. But that was not it, for light has no end. Foreigners from Mid- ian, Ephah, and Sheba—Abraham’s descendants who had separated from the Chosen People centuries before—streamed into the glorious city. Even though they had not shared in their trials and suffering, they were welcomed into the shining radiance of the holy land.

• The magi relied on both science and faith to guide them to the Lord. They observed the night sky and studied the movement of the stars and planets, drawing conclusions from the travels of these heavenly bodies. Without knowing what this remarkable star was, they realized its importance and journeyed all the way to Jerusalem. But, still a few miles from their destination, they needed guidance from the chief priests and the scribes (who quoted Micah’s words) to direct them to Bethlehem. By science or faith alone, they did not know enough; together, they found the Lord.

• Isaiah mentions gold and frankincense, gifts befitting a king. But the magi also bring myrrh—used to anoint a body after death—because this king is also victim, called to suffer, like Isaiah’s suffering servant, for the sins of all.
 

Question of the Week

How do I use both reason and faith to find my way to Jesus?

-from Pastoral Patterns