We Have Seen His Star and have come to Worship Him.

Sunday, 7 January 2024. Read Isaiah 60:1-6, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,10-13, Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6, Matthew 2:1-12

“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)

Today’s feast is like a second Christmas but slightly different. While we celebrated the birth of the baby Jesus on 25 December, we are celebrating today the realisation that God was born in human flesh.

Today, we celebrate the realisation of the prophecy of Isaiah as contained in our first reading: “Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:3). Let us now consider some lessons in today’s readings:

1. Jesus Christ is King of All Nations
In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul asks: “Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one, and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.” (Romans 3:29-30).

The fact that Jesus was visited by wise men from the East (non-Jews) means that He wasn’t born only for the Jewish nation. Jesus was born as the Saviour of the whole world. This is exactly the message that was revealed to St. Paul as he describes in our second reading today: “The Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6).

2. Every King Has a Star
The wise men did not have the privilege of having an angel appear to them like in the case of Zechariah or Mary; they probably did not know the prophets. A star captured their attention, and they understood that this star was an indication of the birth of a king whose coming among men cannot be ignored, a king whose very presence requires the necessary adoration and movement of all other kings.

The fact that the star led the wise men to move from their homes reveals that nature is vocal; nature speaks; nature tells us of the wonder of God, the creator. The wise men were wise enough to understand that the star was not god to be worshipped but a voice that spoke to them about God.

Like Jesus, we have a star; we were born for a purpose. Your life is not and can never be a mistake. Again, just as we all have stars, we are meant to become stars capable of pointing people to Jesus. There should be something about you that would make people men search for Jesus.

3. Not All that Glitters is Gold
Upon getting to the land of Israel, the Wise Men assumed there was no better place to find the new King than in the Palace of Herod. This was a mistake on their part. Despite being terrified at the news of another king, Herod was wise enough to consult the chief priests and scribes regarding Christ (the long-awaited Messiah). Herod even helped the wise men by telling them to go to Bethlehem to search for the child, but he did so with the wrong motive. This experience teaches us that not all that glitters is gold.

Also, it shows us that God works in mysterious ways. The palace may seem attractive, yet it may not be God’s plan for us. Again, not all those who smile with us mean well. Herod was troubled but did not show it; he pretended to care about Jesus and told the wise men to report back to him. Herod is an example of a frenemy.

The fact that Herod consulted the Bible in his attempt to understand the visit of The Three Wise Men teaches us that in moments of difficulty and anxiety, we can find enlightenment by reading the word of God.

4. The Gifts and their Meaning
Upon seeing the child, the wise men FELL DOWN and WORSHIPPED HIM. Every time we come before Jesus, we are supposed to do exactly what the wise men did. The wise men are called wise because they could recognise the divinity of Jesus. No wonder the psalmist says: “Only a fool will say there is no God.” (Psalm 14:1, 53:1)

The wise men brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This is Epiphany, a revelation of the identity of Jesus as KING, PRIEST AND SAVIOUR of the world. Jesus had not even started to talk or walk when this happened, yet it is clear to the world that He is God in human flesh. He rules as King with gold, sanctifies as a Priest with incense (which we still use today at mass), and as Saviour of mankind, Jesus’ body would be preserved with myrrh when he offers his life for our salvation.

Conclusion
The wise men gave gifts to Jesus because they recognised His Divinity, Kingship and Sacrificial role for mankind. The question is: “what kind of gifts do I render to Jesus? And what do my gifts say about Jesus?” Indeed, the best gift we can offer to Jesus today is the gift of a righteous life, a pure heart and hands willing to do God’s commands.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, fill me with light, make me a star directing people to you, and may my life become my gift to you. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Epiphany of the Lord - Mass of the Day. Bible Study: Isaiah 60:1-6, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,10-13, Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6, Matthew 2:1-12).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu