Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

January 5, 2025

The Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in 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;

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.

A VIEW FROM THE PULPIT ...

The Long Journey to Adore the Infant Jesus

~ Rev. Paul W. Galetto, OSA

Pastor, Saint Paul Parish + Philadelphia, Pa.

As he does throughout his Gospel, Matthew wants to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of prophesies from the Hebrew Scriptures. Matthew’s immediate audience is people of Jewish origin and he knows what his listeners want to hear. Matthew’s primary concern is the fulfillment of the prophecies, not the historicity of the events. This is not to say that the events recorded here did not happen exactly as recorded; but Matthew certainly took some literary license in the telling of the tale.

The context of the story is a rather common occurrence between the Roman and Persian Empires – a trade mission, where the main component was the merchants and their goods such as frankincense and myrrh, common commodities in Persia but rare and highly prized in the Roman Empire. Since these goods were valuable and gold was needed to conduct trade, military protection was an essential part of every caravan. Politicians, ambassadors and emissaries were also involved as there were political territories to traverse. Lastly there were chaplains that travelled with this retinue, the people in the Roman Empire called them “magi” – a Greek word for astrologer, Magi were religious men interested in astrology, believing that the stars held secrets about the future.

The caravan took months to assemble and more months to travel and ranged in size, but it is assumed that there were hundreds of people involved. The journey was harrowing because of the terrain, weather and the threat of thieves and marauders. Camels were used instead of donkeys because of the length of the journey. The success of the endeavor was economically critical because of the taxes it generated and how it improved the lives of the citizens. A caravan averaged three miles per hour, eight to fifteen hours a day, and took many weeks to reach its destination. Therefore, this event is probably taking place one to three years after the birth of Jesus.

Matthew probably knew of some stellar event that occurred in the heavens years before his writing and used this as the backdrop for his story. It is to be noted that the Magi prostrate themselves before Jesus but not King Herod. Their gifts are commentary on Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh (kingship, divinity and suffering). This infancy narrative is integral to the fabric of Matthew’s Gospel.

A VIEW FROM THE PEW ...

The Grace to Welcome Strangers

~ Linda Davis

Saint Mary's Catholic Church + Lancaster, Pa.

In today’s Gospel, we read about the Magi – travelers who journeyed a great distance, guided by a star, bringing gifts to honor the Christ Child. Their journey was long, arduous, and uncertain, yet filled with determination and trust in God’s plan. They fixed their gaze on the star, trusted, and stepped forward boldly. As a mother, I pray for the grace to recognize and follow the “stars” in my own life. Often, they’re hard to see, clouded by self-doubt, anger, or resentment. Yet, God, in His infinite mercy, calms the storms and clears the clouds, allowing those stars to shine brightly again. We only need to ask.

I also reflect on Our Blessed Mother, newly post-partum, welcoming the Magi into her modest home. Having just experienced the miraculous yet physically taxing reality of childbirth, Mary and Joseph were likely exhausted and adjusting to life with Jesus. Yet, when the Magi arrived, Mary opened her home and heart, allowing these foreign visitors to honor her Son. Her quiet, gracious hospitality reminds us that welcoming others does not require material wealth or perfection, only a willing spirit and courage to open the door. It’s humbling to imagine Mary receiving the Magi’s lavish gifts. Though she had little to offer but her love and faith, her acceptance of their gifts reflects her trust in God’s providence and His plan for her Son.

Like Mary, I pray for the grace to welcome others with humility and openness, allowing Christ to shine through small acts of greatest love.

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