Matthew 2:1-12

Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Matthew 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.

Opening Prayer: Lord, the Magi from the east traveled many miles to encounter you in your dwelling in Bethlehem. They worshipped you and brought you gifts. I want to do the same. I want to encounter you. I bring you the humble gift of myself to you today.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Three Epiphanies: An epiphany is a divine manifestation. The liturgy today celebrates three such epiphanies. Today we celebrate the visit of the Magi and the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles. Tomorrow, we will celebrate the Baptism of the Lord and the manifestation of Jesus to Israel. The third manifestation is at the Wedding in Cana and is given to Jesus’ disciples. The threefold manifestation is captured in an antiphon from today’s Liturgy of the Hours: “Three mysteries mark this holy day: today the star leads the Magi to the infant Christ; today water is changed into wine for the wedding feast; today Christ wills to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us salvation.” The Catechism teaches that the Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world (see CCC, 528). 

2. Nations Shall Walk by Jerusalem’s Radiance: Isaiah speaks about the coming of the light and the manifestation of the Lord God to all the nations of the world. He foresees the day when people from all nations will stream to Jerusalem on pilgrimage and bring frankincense to worship the true God and gold as a tribute for the universal King. This prophecy is fulfilled during the visit of the Magi, who represent the Gentile nations and give tribute to the newborn King, our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

3. The False King: When the Magi encountered Herod, they encountered the false “King of the Jews.” Herod was not a descendant of David, not from the tribe of Judah, and not an Israelite. He was an Idumaean, a descendant of the Edomites from Jacob’s brother, Esau. He was appointed the “King of Judah” by the Roman Senate and given an army to defeat the Parthian invasion of Palestine. He reigned as a vassal king of Judah from 37 to 4 B.C. Herod tried to validate his appointment as king by marrying a princess from the Hasmonean dynasty. He wanted to be recognized as another King Solomon and so he rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem. He wanted to be recognized as a priest-king and Messiah figure. At the same time, he stopped at nothing to keep his power. He murdered his own sons and one of his wives thinking that they were threats to his rule. He felt threatened by the newborn son of Mary, whom the Magi called the “King of the Jews” and plotted to kill the baby Jesus. After worshipping the true King of Israel and offering him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the Magi did not go back to the wicked and false King Herod.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, you are my King and Savior. You guide and govern me with justice and want to lead me to true peace. I offer myself to you and all that I am. I ask that you rescue me today and help me in my affliction. Have pity on me and shower me with your mercy.

Resolution: What can I offer Jesus today? Jesus is present, especially in the poor. What act of charity can I do for those in need around me? That will be my humble homage to my king.