Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 7, 2024

Date:  Epiphany of the Lord

 Scripture Text:  Mt 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The gospel for today relates the details of the visit of the magi as written in the Gospel of Matthew alone. It details the faithful pursuit of the magi for the “newborn king of the Jews.” The magi find that the people of the land are themselves oblivious to this remarkable arrival. Finally, however, thanks to the information gleaned from the priest and scribes, the magi head toward Bethlehem as the prophecies had foretold. And the star led them to the Holy Family, to the child Jesus with his mother, Mary. The magi offered child gifts but also their homage even though they must have realized from his humble surroundings that others were unaware of his greatness.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

 How persistent am I in my search for Christ in my life, in my world? What gifts do I bring to my Savior in those moments of encounter?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You love us so wholly that You sent your only-begotten son to take on our humanity, to dwell among us, to reveal your power and presence and love to us, and to give His own life for ours. In this age of skepticism and doubt, of war and suffering, send us your Spirit to guide us in our search for your beloved Son and in giving over our minds and hearts to Him who is “the way and the truth and the light.” Grant that we may persevere in our search for Christ and encounter Him in our prayers, in our lives, in our world. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.