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 God, the Magi from the east traveled many miles to encounter your Son in Bethlehem. They worshipped your Son and brought him gifts. I want to do the same and encounter you and your Son. I bring the humble gift of myself to you today.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Gold for their King: The Magi, who came to Bethlehem and gave tribute to Jesus, were members of a priestly-political class from the east. They discerned the sign of the star as indicating the birth of the “King of the Jews.” Their gift of gold symbolizes the “wealth of the nations” being brought to Jesus, the newborn king. In this way, Matthew sees the visit of the Magi as the fulfillment of the First Reading from Isaiah: “dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.” The idea is that all nations, from all four directions, come to give homage and tribute to God. The visit of the Magi anticipates the day when the Gentile nations will join the restored tribes of Israel in the Church.

2. Frankincense for their God: When the Magi began their journey, they were intent on rendering homage to the “King of the Jews.” But when they encountered the newborn king in the house in Bethlehem, they prostrated themselves before the child in an act of worship. They offered the gift of frankincense, which was used in liturgical worship to symbolize the rising of our prayers to God. This gift is indicative of their initial recognition of Jesus’ divine nature. 

3. Myrrh for their Priestly Savior: Myrrh was an anointing oil used to consecrate Levitical priests and the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 30:23-33). It was also a burial ointment (John 19:39-40) (see Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament, 9). The gift is a recognition of Jesus’ humanity and his mission to save and redeem us by dying for us. Jesus is our redeemer, who pays our debt of sin, and our eternal high priest, who offers himself for our sins and establishes the New Covenant.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, 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. 

Living the Word of God: How can I offer my gold – my time and my treasure – to my king today? How can I offer my frankincense – my prayers – to the newborn Son of God today? How can I unite my offering of myrrh – my daily sacrifices – to the offering of my Savior and Redeemer to the Father today?