All of us, even non-Christians, are familiar with the story of the 3 kings who make their appearance in Christmas cards, carols and cribs. The story is told in the gospel of Matthew. Actually, Matthew does not say how many kings had visited Jesus. Nor does Matthew inform us of the names of these kings. Neither were they "kings" but, "μάγοι" (Greek); "Magi" (Latin) or "wise men" (English). Folklore and common sense fill up and embellish the missing information.
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem (Matthew 2:1, RSV).
cum ergo natus esset Iesus in Bethleem Iudaeae in diebus Herodis regis ecce magi ab oriente venerunt Hierosolymam (Vulgate)
Τοῦ δὲ Ἰησοῦ γεννηθέντος ἐν Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἐν ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως, ἰδοὺ μάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν παρεγένοντο εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα
Therefore, some Magi visited Jerusalem at the birth of Jesus to look for the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). We fix the number at three because 3 gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh were mentioned (Matthew 2:11). Therefore, common sense suggests that there were three kings because there were 3 expensive gifts. Since the 8th century, names were given to these kings: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
Indeed, this beautiful story is itself already a treasure trove of jewels for meditation. For example, the star which the Magi followed is usually interpreted as a "sign of faith", Signum Fidei, which is the motto of the La Salle Brothers. Therefore, a star appears in school badges of all La Sallian schools. We Christians should ourselves be such a star to lead and guide other people to Jesus etc.
The nativity story in Matthew tries to convince his Jewish readers that Jesus was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. Therefore, Matthew put forth as evidence that Jesus was a descendant of David (e.g. the genealogy), that Jesus was a king (e.g. the Magi and the massacre engineered by Herod) and that God had chosen him (e.g. angels, a star and 5 prophecies). Inevitably, men occupied the bulk of the story of Matthew in sharp contrast to the nativity story of Luke where women occupied a more prominent part. Therefore, it is all the more significant to read the conspicuous role Matthew gave Mary in the verse mentioned above. Matthew forgot to mention Joseph but we cannot draw the conclusion that Joseph was not present.
and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).
Mary was seen with her Son to receive the worship of the Magi, the Gentiles. Therefore, why should Christians hesitate to honour the mother of their Saviour?
Today, Fr. Martin celebrated the 11 o'clock mass with us. His homily focused on interpersonal relationship, between God and men; men and men. God initiates this relationship. To cater for our need, God became flesh to live among us, the righteous as well as the sinful. God gave chances not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. He arranged a star to attract and guide these oriental astrologists to meet Him. Though Herod was an evil king, God had also given him a chance to meet Jesus. The Magi made it but Herod didn't because he would not allow anybody or anything to threaten his throne. Therefore, Herod engineered a massacre of innocent infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16). As for the effect of meeting Jesus, Father Martin drew our attention to the action of the Magi. They departed to their own country by another way.
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way (Matthew 2:12).
After meeting Jesus, the Magi took another way, a new way. We have met and known Jesus. Have we found a new way of life, a life with a new purpose? If not, we simply return home empty-handed. How pitiful!
My Lord, enlighten us of our purpose of life. We have been roaming around on this planet aimlessly. Show us our purpose of life. Amen.
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