January 6th - Reflection

Epiphany of Our Lord
Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)
Christ revealed to the nations

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Reflection
Go to the top with a question. The wise men go to the King to find out where this King of the Jews is located. To Herod he was the king. There wasn't another king. Whom are you magi speaking of? Go and find out for me and tell me about this new king.

Selfishly we fall into the trap of thinking more of ourselves than we should. Get over yourself. You may think that you are the king of your life, but there is another that should be king. This other king is humble and real. Real and his action is decisive. This King of the Jews will give his very life for all people. This is the real King that deserves honor and worship. Get over yourself, you are not the king.

So we go to follow this King. And we greet him and give him our riches. We give him what he created in the first place. But we give away what we thought was riches only to receive the richness of true life and love. As we give Jesus our life and get over ourselves, we become his disciples and walk and follow his path.

The Son of God revealed to the humble Mary, Joseph and Shepherds is now revealed to those who "need to get over themselves" --- those who think more highly of themselves than they should, and God is revealed to both. Both people become awestruck followers and disciples of Jesus. All will see the Light. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you have led us to a deep meaning. A deep meaning for the gentiles and all people. You have led us to Christ. May we follow in your Light and your will and your way. Create in us good and faithful disciples. For now we see and understand that you are God in flesh. God is with us! Thanks be to God! --- Amen