REFLECTION:
This gospel is a wonderful story, and it’s easy to get caught up in the imaginative details of the narrative: stars and kings, journeys and searches, newborn Baby and gifts. The point of the gospel is even more amazing: God chooses to manifest the mystery of Christ Jesus to all the nations. This, of course, includes each of us today. But our task-response is not only to search for Christ among us but also to be the revelation of his presence, for we are “members of the same body” and “copartners in the promise” (second reading).
- The magi’s journey began with God’s first reaching out to them through the star; my faith journey began with God’s first reaching out to me through . . .
- I search for Christ when . . . . . . I am the revelation of Christ for others when. . .
- Like the magi, as I encounter the great mystery of my “newborn king,” the gift I offer him is . . .
Connecting the Gospel
to our experience: All major occasions include some form of gift-giving: births, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings; even at funerals we send cards and flowers. It is not surprising that the magi bring gifts to the “newborn king” – gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their greatest gift, however, was their coming to pay him homage.