Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.
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.
Saints’ Words:
I tell you that, as by the brightness of the sunrise you know that is the day, so Divine revelation is known by the brightness of illumination given it by God. But if it is doubtful whether or not it is a revelation, then it is not a perfect revelation from God.
--Vincent Ferrer, sermon
Prayer:
God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Lord, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining star and angel’s song, for infant’s cry in lowly manger. Your Son shared our weakness; may we share his glory. We behold his glory, and are bathed in its radiance. We kneel before you shepherds, innkeepers, wisemen. Help us to rise bigger than we are. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
