January 5, 2025: The Epiphany of the Lord

Gospel: Matthew 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

Reflection

The life of the child hung in the balance … based on a dream! That has always struck me. Joseph found out a lot about how to move forward from his dreams. Now the magi, in a dream, find another way home to bypass Herod and his evil intent. I can’t say that dreams play that important a part in my life or in my decision-making. Sometimes I wish they did!

My messages from God seem to arrive through something I read – an article in a magazine, a book, someone’s reflection, a newspaper column – that touches me and changes how I act or react. Or perhaps, the message arrives by way of someone I meet unexpectedly in the hallway who plants a seed in me to act in a certain way or to consider a certain path.

Action

Let’s spend time this week identifying the different ways that God speaks to us and how we respond. Do you ignore the message? Slough it off as not important? Act upon it in some meaningful way? Thank God for however the messages come and pray to remain open to God’s nudges.