BIBLE STUDY #121
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
January 20, 2013
READING 1
ISAIAH 62:1-5
For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her vindication shines forth like the dawn
and her victory like a burning torch.
Nations shall behold your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
you shall be called by a new name
pronounced by the mouth of the LORD.
You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,
a royal diadem held by your God.
No more shall people call you “Forsaken, “
or your land “Desolate, “
but you shall be called “My Delight, “
and your land “Espoused.”
For the LORD delights in you
and makes your land his spouse.
As a young man marries a virgin,
your Builder shall marry you;
and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
so shall your God rejoice in you.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11
Brothers and sisters:
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;
to another, the expression of knowledge according to the
same Spirit;
to another, faith by the same Spirit;
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;
to another, mighty deeds;
to another, prophecy;
to another, discernment of spirits;
to another, varieties of tongues;
to another, interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these,
distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
JOHN 2:1-11
There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee,
and the mother of Jesus was there.
Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.
When the wine ran short,
the mother of Jesus said to him,
“They have no wine.”
And Jesus said to her,
“Woman, how does your concern affect me?
My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servers,
“Do whatever he tells you.”
Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings,
each holding twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus told the them,
“Fill the jars with water.”
So they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them,
“Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.”
So they took it.
And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine,
without knowing where it came from
— although the servers who had drawn the water knew —,
the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him,
“Everyone serves good wine first,
and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one;
but you have kept the good wine until now.”
Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee
and so revealed his glory,
and his disciples began to believe in him.
The Gospel of the lord
Reflection
The wedding Feast at Cana is the first of seven signs in this Gospel. The miracles in John’s Gospel are called signs. A sign leads us to something else. A sign is a miracle which symbolizes a spiritual reality about Jesus, reveals who he is and brings about or strengthens faith in him. These signs point to something about Jesus that’s usually hidden to people who don’t share John’s theological insights, but is at the heart of the miracle.
A wedding in the New Testament should make us think about eternal life, which is referred to as the wedding feast of the Lamb. A wedding feast would be a symbol of the days of happiness and the abundant gifts that the Messiah brings.
Mary is never named in this Gospel, but is referred to as “Woman” or the “Mother of Jesus.” It seems that Mary misunderstands Jesus ministry, believing that his special powers are to be used for the benefit of his family. In the next 17 chapters until Golgotha, she is a model of faith and conversion for all of us. She changes from someone who thinks Jesus abilities are for the benefit of the family to someone who helps us experience Jesus’ dying and rising with Him.
The number and size of the water jugs is important. People would have travelled for days to get to the wedding, and would be expected to stay for a few days up to a week. Plenty of wine would be needed for all the guests for that long a time period.
Some people try to negate this miracle by speculating that water was put into old wine jars with the dregs still in the bottom, so these dregs would be stirred up and the guests, who had already drank much wine, would think it’s just a different type of wine.
But the Gospel specifically says that “six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings” were used. These jars would never have been used for wine. If wine were put in them, they wouldn’t be used again for ceremonial purposes. We are told that these jars were empty and Jesus told them to fill them with wine.
The changing of the water into wine symbolizes the wine of Christianity replacing the water of Judaism. This is a big theme in John’s Gospel. It also symbolizes the richness and overflowing plenty supplied through the messiah.
Jesus is revealing himself as the messiah. This sign assists in bringing the people to faith.
Here is something from a homily source I thought was interesting.
Signs and Hidden Significance
I returned yesterday from San Antonio, Texas. While I was there I remembered my first visit to Houston when I was a student at seminary. As I was interested in history, I visited the battlefield outside the city. There, at San Jacinto, General Sam Houston defeated the Mexican army and won independence for Texas. The Texans have erected a huge memorial tower -- it looks much like the Hoover Tower at Stanford University -- and with typical Texas modesty placed a sign in front of it that says. "This tower is ten feet taller than the Washington Monument."
That is what signs are for: to tell you something that you would not otherwise know; to manifest a significance that might otherwise be hidden. That is what John means when he says that this miracle was a sign. What it pictured was the normal outcome of the combination of human and divine activity. Men can fill water jars; only God can turn water into wine! Men do the ordinary, the commonplace, the normal activity, but God touches it, and brings it to life and gives it flavor, fragrance and effect. That is the meaning of this sign: it is an indication of what the ministry of Jesus is going to be like whenever he touches a human life, not only during his lifetime on earth, but also through all the running centuries to come, whenever his ministry would be present in the world.
Thus it affects us today as well. Bring God into your situation and all the humdrum, commonplace activities are touched with a new power that makes them fragrant, flavorful, enjoyable and delightful, giving joy and gladness to the heart. That is the meaning of this sign.
Ray C. Stedman, Water to Wine
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
BIBLE STUDY #120
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
January 13, 2013
READING 1
ISAIAH 42:1-4, 6-7
Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.
I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
ACTS 10:34-38
Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22
The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
There were high expectations for a messiah in those days. It had been prophesied in the Old Testament and people began to think that John the Baptist was the messiah due to his fiery, tell it like it is demeanor. John continually denies that he is the messiah. He has a temporary and lesser (although a very important) role compared to Jesus. Luke makes this point because some people in the early church clung to the belief that John was the messiah.
John steadfastly insists that Jesus is mightier, that he is the messiah. His role is to baptize with water, signifying a purifying baptism, symbolizing a turning of one’s life around to God and away from sin. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, which is reminiscent of what happened at Pentecost. In the Old Testament, water, spirit, and fire appear together as agents of purification (Is 4:4-5; Ezek36:25-26; Mal3:2-3). These elements signify a new era of holiness and grace, inaugurated by Jesus, God’s Son and Servant.
Notice how Jesus baptism was downplayed, almost an afterthought; the events immediately after His baptism are what’s important. Jesus is praying, relying on Gods strength and grace to fulfill his mission. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus prays before or during important moments in his ministry, such as at his baptism, before choosing the Twelve (6:12), before announcing his passion (8:18), at the Transfiguration (9:28), before teaching his followers how to pray (11:2), at the Last Supper (22:32), during his agony (22:41), and on the cross (23:48). Jesus gives us the example on praying that we are to follow in our lives.
The Spirit comes upon Jesus; it is like an anointing, or a commissioning for a mission. We hear God speaking from heaven, informing us of Jesus identity: he is God’s Son. We will hear God’s voice again in a similar way at the Transfiguration (9:35-36).
God is well pleased with Jesus. He is the One who will follow His Father to the cross, who will not let anyone or anything deflect him from his mission. He gives up all earthly authority for a heavenly throne. Jesus is seen as the one Isaiah spoke about 6 centuries before; Jesus is the suffering Servant who suffers for the salvation of sinners. Today’s first reading is applied to Jesus; it describes the mission of a servant and the early church saw it as applying to Jesus.
In the second reading, Luke settles 2 issues that threatened the existence of the early church: Gentiles could become Christians without first becoming Jews, and contact with Gentiles does not cause defilement.
Fr. Phil
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
January 13, 2013
READING 1
ISAIAH 42:1-4, 6-7
Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.
I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
ACTS 10:34-38
Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22
The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
There were high expectations for a messiah in those days. It had been prophesied in the Old Testament and people began to think that John the Baptist was the messiah due to his fiery, tell it like it is demeanor. John continually denies that he is the messiah. He has a temporary and lesser (although a very important) role compared to Jesus. Luke makes this point because some people in the early church clung to the belief that John was the messiah.
John steadfastly insists that Jesus is mightier, that he is the messiah. His role is to baptize with water, signifying a purifying baptism, symbolizing a turning of one’s life around to God and away from sin. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, which is reminiscent of what happened at Pentecost. In the Old Testament, water, spirit, and fire appear together as agents of purification (Is 4:4-5; Ezek36:25-26; Mal3:2-3). These elements signify a new era of holiness and grace, inaugurated by Jesus, God’s Son and Servant.
Notice how Jesus baptism was downplayed, almost an afterthought; the events immediately after His baptism are what’s important. Jesus is praying, relying on Gods strength and grace to fulfill his mission. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus prays before or during important moments in his ministry, such as at his baptism, before choosing the Twelve (6:12), before announcing his passion (8:18), at the Transfiguration (9:28), before teaching his followers how to pray (11:2), at the Last Supper (22:32), during his agony (22:41), and on the cross (23:48). Jesus gives us the example on praying that we are to follow in our lives.
The Spirit comes upon Jesus; it is like an anointing, or a commissioning for a mission. We hear God speaking from heaven, informing us of Jesus identity: he is God’s Son. We will hear God’s voice again in a similar way at the Transfiguration (9:35-36).
God is well pleased with Jesus. He is the One who will follow His Father to the cross, who will not let anyone or anything deflect him from his mission. He gives up all earthly authority for a heavenly throne. Jesus is seen as the one Isaiah spoke about 6 centuries before; Jesus is the suffering Servant who suffers for the salvation of sinners. Today’s first reading is applied to Jesus; it describes the mission of a servant and the early church saw it as applying to Jesus.
In the second reading, Luke settles 2 issues that threatened the existence of the early church: Gentiles could become Christians without first becoming Jews, and contact with Gentiles does not cause defilement.
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
BIBLE STUDY #119
SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
January 6, 2013
READING 1
ISAIAH 60:1-6
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
The Word of the Lord
SECOND READING
EPHESIANS 3:2-3A, 5-6
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
MATTTHEW 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.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
There is only a brief mention of Jesus birth, almost as an afterthought. In contrast, see Luke 2:1-7. Bethlehem was the ancestral home of King David so we continue the “son of David’ motif from chapter 1. Bethlehem of Judea is 5 miles south of Jerusalem as distinguished from Bethlehem of Galilee which is seven miles northwest of Nazareth.
King Herod reigned from 37 BC to 4 BC. He was the most powerful member of an Idumean family. Upon his death, his kingdom was divided among his sons. He was a masterful politician in playing off the Roman and Jewish factions among each other. He was noted for his massive building projects like the Jerusalem Temple and Masada.
The term “Magi” originally referred to Persian priests who claimed an ability to interpret dreams. Here they are astrologers /astronomers who look to the stars as a guide to major events. Where they come from is not clear, but since they are unaware where the savior is to be born, it is assumed that they are gentiles.
The magi refer to Jesus as the newborn king of the Jews. This is also Herod’s title, so Herod would see this newborn king as a rival. This title for Jesus also appears on the cross as a charge against Jesus and the reason he was crucified.
The magi “saw his star at its rising.” It was a common belief in antiquity that astral phenomenon accompanied the births and deaths of great figures. Matthew draws upon the Old Testament story of Balaam who prophesied that “A star shall advance from Jacob” in Numbers 24:17.
The Greek word for homage refers to an act of submission like bowing or prostration before a person of great authority and dignity. Since this is also the proper attitude of humans to God, we see the theme of Jesus as the Son of God in this verse.
Herod was certainly greatly troubled, and “all Jerusalem,” referring to all the people of Jerusalem. This idea of all the people is also in Matthew 27:25, Jesus in front of Pilate, where it says that “all the people answered ‘his blood be on us and our children.’” In neither case does it mean everybody.
The “chief priests” presumably means the current high priest (there was only one at a time) and former high priests and members of their families. The scribes would be experts in interpreting Scripture and could answer the magi’s questions concerning the location of the newborn King. The chief priests and scribes would also be Jesus’ enemies during the Passion narrative.
Bethlehem of Judea was the commonly accepted birthplace of the messiah (see John 7:42). The prophet was wrote this prophecy is actually a combination of prophecies in Micah 5:1 and 2 Samuel 5:2
Herod expects the magi to find the child and report to him so he can also “pay homage” to the newborn King, but his real intention is revealed in 2:16-18.
The movement of the star guides them directly to the child. It is not clear how this star guided them up till now.
The magi were ‘overjoyed’ at seeing the star, reminiscent of the great joy the angel proclaimed to the shepherds in the field at the birth of Jesus. This is a tremendous expression of joy.
Matthew seems to assume that Jesus was born in a house, as opposed to Luke’s gospel (see Luke 2:6-7). Although, it’s not necessary to assume that Luke meant a cave or a stable. It could refer to a part of the house that is used as a room for animals and doubles as a room for guests in an emergency situation.
The magi entered the house, saw Jesus and Mary, and prostrated themselves in homage, completing what they set out to do from the beginning. They brought 3 gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, giving rise to the idea that there were three magi. The idea of Kings came from an allusion to Psalm 72:10, ”may the kings of Seba and Sheba bring gifts.” The nature of these gifts comes from Isaiah 60:6, “all those from Sheba shall come, they shall bring gold and frankincense.” Seba and Sheba connect the magi to the Syrian Desert or Arabia.
The magi were warned in a dream to go home another way. Dreams were thought to be ways that the divine spoke to humans, which happened to Joseph. Sometimes angels in these dreams communicate God’s will.
The rejection of Jesus by Herod, but the acceptance of Him by the magi, foretell the future rejection of Jesus by Israel and the acceptance of Him by the magi.
This passage of journey reminds me of the great journey theme that takes up much of Luke’s gospel. We travel together, learn more about the Lord, ourselves, and our mission, and follow Jesus to the cross and resurrection (His, as well as ours). This story of the journey of the magi reminds me of the journey of all of us. The star, the light of Christ, is there for all to see. Some people look at it and don’t see it for what it is, but some do. Those who do are bound to follow the light regardless of where it takes them. The trip is not always easy, and can be downright hazardous. Along the way, we look for help; sometimes among sacred writings, and sometimes among people. We will encounter those who try to draw us away, sometimes deceitfully and for there own nefarious purposes and those we must identify and ignore. We hope that we will find people who will guide and direct us along our journey, who can interpret the sacred texts to bring us closer to Jesus. We hope to find people who will be our companions, guides, and supporters as we look to accomplish our goals. We, too, in some instances, will be the guides for others. Like the magi, we prostrate ourselves in front of our Lord, offering our gifts for his use. The magi found what they were looking for. The promise of this story is that if we are faithful followers, we also will find Jesus in our lives.
Fr. Phil
SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
January 6, 2013
READING 1
ISAIAH 60:1-6
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
The Word of the Lord
SECOND READING
EPHESIANS 3:2-3A, 5-6
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
MATTTHEW 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.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
There is only a brief mention of Jesus birth, almost as an afterthought. In contrast, see Luke 2:1-7. Bethlehem was the ancestral home of King David so we continue the “son of David’ motif from chapter 1. Bethlehem of Judea is 5 miles south of Jerusalem as distinguished from Bethlehem of Galilee which is seven miles northwest of Nazareth.
King Herod reigned from 37 BC to 4 BC. He was the most powerful member of an Idumean family. Upon his death, his kingdom was divided among his sons. He was a masterful politician in playing off the Roman and Jewish factions among each other. He was noted for his massive building projects like the Jerusalem Temple and Masada.
The term “Magi” originally referred to Persian priests who claimed an ability to interpret dreams. Here they are astrologers /astronomers who look to the stars as a guide to major events. Where they come from is not clear, but since they are unaware where the savior is to be born, it is assumed that they are gentiles.
The magi refer to Jesus as the newborn king of the Jews. This is also Herod’s title, so Herod would see this newborn king as a rival. This title for Jesus also appears on the cross as a charge against Jesus and the reason he was crucified.
The magi “saw his star at its rising.” It was a common belief in antiquity that astral phenomenon accompanied the births and deaths of great figures. Matthew draws upon the Old Testament story of Balaam who prophesied that “A star shall advance from Jacob” in Numbers 24:17.
The Greek word for homage refers to an act of submission like bowing or prostration before a person of great authority and dignity. Since this is also the proper attitude of humans to God, we see the theme of Jesus as the Son of God in this verse.
Herod was certainly greatly troubled, and “all Jerusalem,” referring to all the people of Jerusalem. This idea of all the people is also in Matthew 27:25, Jesus in front of Pilate, where it says that “all the people answered ‘his blood be on us and our children.’” In neither case does it mean everybody.
The “chief priests” presumably means the current high priest (there was only one at a time) and former high priests and members of their families. The scribes would be experts in interpreting Scripture and could answer the magi’s questions concerning the location of the newborn King. The chief priests and scribes would also be Jesus’ enemies during the Passion narrative.
Bethlehem of Judea was the commonly accepted birthplace of the messiah (see John 7:42). The prophet was wrote this prophecy is actually a combination of prophecies in Micah 5:1 and 2 Samuel 5:2
Herod expects the magi to find the child and report to him so he can also “pay homage” to the newborn King, but his real intention is revealed in 2:16-18.
The movement of the star guides them directly to the child. It is not clear how this star guided them up till now.
The magi were ‘overjoyed’ at seeing the star, reminiscent of the great joy the angel proclaimed to the shepherds in the field at the birth of Jesus. This is a tremendous expression of joy.
Matthew seems to assume that Jesus was born in a house, as opposed to Luke’s gospel (see Luke 2:6-7). Although, it’s not necessary to assume that Luke meant a cave or a stable. It could refer to a part of the house that is used as a room for animals and doubles as a room for guests in an emergency situation.
The magi entered the house, saw Jesus and Mary, and prostrated themselves in homage, completing what they set out to do from the beginning. They brought 3 gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, giving rise to the idea that there were three magi. The idea of Kings came from an allusion to Psalm 72:10, ”may the kings of Seba and Sheba bring gifts.” The nature of these gifts comes from Isaiah 60:6, “all those from Sheba shall come, they shall bring gold and frankincense.” Seba and Sheba connect the magi to the Syrian Desert or Arabia.
The magi were warned in a dream to go home another way. Dreams were thought to be ways that the divine spoke to humans, which happened to Joseph. Sometimes angels in these dreams communicate God’s will.
The rejection of Jesus by Herod, but the acceptance of Him by the magi, foretell the future rejection of Jesus by Israel and the acceptance of Him by the magi.
This passage of journey reminds me of the great journey theme that takes up much of Luke’s gospel. We travel together, learn more about the Lord, ourselves, and our mission, and follow Jesus to the cross and resurrection (His, as well as ours). This story of the journey of the magi reminds me of the journey of all of us. The star, the light of Christ, is there for all to see. Some people look at it and don’t see it for what it is, but some do. Those who do are bound to follow the light regardless of where it takes them. The trip is not always easy, and can be downright hazardous. Along the way, we look for help; sometimes among sacred writings, and sometimes among people. We will encounter those who try to draw us away, sometimes deceitfully and for there own nefarious purposes and those we must identify and ignore. We hope that we will find people who will guide and direct us along our journey, who can interpret the sacred texts to bring us closer to Jesus. We hope to find people who will be our companions, guides, and supporters as we look to accomplish our goals. We, too, in some instances, will be the guides for others. Like the magi, we prostrate ourselves in front of our Lord, offering our gifts for his use. The magi found what they were looking for. The promise of this story is that if we are faithful followers, we also will find Jesus in our lives.
Fr. Phil
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