Gospel – 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.

Reflection on Sunday Gospel

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God…

The Gospel reading for the Feast of the Epiphany is taken from the book of Matthew. The narration begins: “ After Jesus had been born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of Herod, suddenly some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east asking “Where is the infant king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage”. After an uneasy meeting with Herod and the Officials of Judaism, the wise men followed the star to Bethlehem where they found the child with his mother, Mary.

It is from this narration of the Star which led the wise men to Jesus that Saint John Baptist de La Salle took the image of a star as a central image to define the ministry of the Lasallian Institute. The star is the light of faith which led the wise men to Jesus. In like manner, it is the light of faith in teachers which lead children into maturity and faith.

To find more meaning in this visit of wise men the other scripture readings of the feast give us insights. There is a reading from Isaiah, chapter 60, verses 1 – 6. Speaking to the Jews of the promise for them upon their return from exile in Babylon, the Prophet says of the new Israel “Arise, shine out, for your light has come, and the glory of your God has risen upon you”. This light, the Prophet goes on to say, will attract all nations to come together. The riches of nations will come to you. Camels from Midian and Ephah will come bringing gold and incense.

The early followers of Jesus were Jews – as was Jesus. To understand Jesus they followed the Jewish practice of seeking validation through their scriptures. If Jesus is the Messiah, then the Prophets give witness to that possibility. This passage of Isaiah does that for them.

Another part of the scripture gives the same message. Psalm 72 is part of the worship service. In that prayer, blessings are requested for the King. Verses 12-13 say “ The kings of Sheba and Saba will offer gifts; all kings will do him homage, all nations become his servants”.

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians provides another vital insight. In chapter 3 verses 1 – 13, he relates that in the vision of Jesus which established his mission, he was given an insight into the mystery of salvation. Now, the promise of the ages is fulfilled in Jesus. It is the mission of Paul to share that mystery with the Gentiles “throwing light on the inner workings of the mystery kept hidden through the ages”. Now all peoples have access to salvation.

John Baptist de La Salle looks upon the teacher as one drawn by an inner light to care for children. They in turn become light for their children. Do we Lasallians believe in ourselves as light for those in our care?

St. John Baptist de La Salle … Pray for Us!
Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever!

Br. James Loxham, FSC