Probably it was mid-term examination time. Many girls did not turn up during choir rehearsal this morning. It was an all-male gathering when we studied the gospel reading together. Only half an hour before mass did Bobo appear. It was quite appropriate for the gospel reading today. The nativity story related in the gospel of Matthew is very male-dominant. It was a struggle between Joseph, the carpenter and Herod the Great, king of Judaea. Therefore, it is all the more amazing to read the following verse.
and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they (the Magi) fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).
Where was Joseph?
Mary appears only thrice in the first 2 chapters of Matthew: "Joseph the husband of Mary" (Matthew 1:16); "When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph" (Matthew 1:18) and Matthew 2:11 above. Mary did not have any independent identity. Her husband was Joseph and her child Jesus Christ. She was not bothered being anonymous.
and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they (the Magi) fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).
Where was Joseph?
Mary appears only thrice in the first 2 chapters of Matthew: "Joseph the husband of Mary" (Matthew 1:16); "When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph" (Matthew 1:18) and Matthew 2:11 above. Mary did not have any independent identity. Her husband was Joseph and her child Jesus Christ. She was not bothered being anonymous.
Today, Father Milanese made a contrast between the performances of the Jews against the Magi. The Jews knew the Scripture. They knew all about the Messiah prophecy. Yet, they were troubled by the news. Of course, Herod the king was troubled because the news of a new born king hinted at his demise. All Jerusalem was trouble because of the anticipated bloodshed.
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (Matthew 2:2-3).
The chief priests and the scribes of the people promptly answered Herod's inquiry and identified the birth place of Jesus, Bethlehem. Herod their leader did not go himself or send his envoy to seek out the Messiah. Instead, he instructed the Magi to report the whereabouts of the new born king (Matthew 2:8).
Let's return to the Magi. They were wise men from Persia, very knowledgeable with magic, the prophecies of the Jews and astrology. The rise of a new star in certain constellations alerted them of the birth of a king. There were lots of kings but this new king must be very significant for them. They took the trouble to travel afar to seek him out and to worship him. This new born king must mean a lot to them. They had nothing to assist them but a new star. They put their faith in this star and followed it to look for the meaning behind this sign of faith. Did they not have better things to do than to follow a star? In our life, do we see any sign to follow? Do we simply take things for granted and remain in our comfort zone?
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (Matthew 2:2-3).
The chief priests and the scribes of the people promptly answered Herod's inquiry and identified the birth place of Jesus, Bethlehem. Herod their leader did not go himself or send his envoy to seek out the Messiah. Instead, he instructed the Magi to report the whereabouts of the new born king (Matthew 2:8).
Let's return to the Magi. They were wise men from Persia, very knowledgeable with magic, the prophecies of the Jews and astrology. The rise of a new star in certain constellations alerted them of the birth of a king. There were lots of kings but this new king must be very significant for them. They took the trouble to travel afar to seek him out and to worship him. This new born king must mean a lot to them. They had nothing to assist them but a new star. They put their faith in this star and followed it to look for the meaning behind this sign of faith. Did they not have better things to do than to follow a star? In our life, do we see any sign to follow? Do we simply take things for granted and remain in our comfort zone?
Dear Lord, we have found You. Let us offer our life and follow Your footsteps to bring in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
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