“In the town of Bethlehem in Judea,” they told him, “for this is what the prophet wrote: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least among the clans of Judah, for from you will come a leader, one who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod secretly called the wise men and asked them the precise time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem with these instructions, “Go and get accurate information about the child. As soon as you have found him, report to me, so that I, too, may go and honor him.”
After the meeting with the king, they set out. The star that they had seen in the East went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. The wise men were overjoyed on seeing the star again. They went into the house, and when they saw the child with Mary, his mother, they knelt and worshiped him. They opened their bags and offered him their gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.
In a dream they were warned not to go back to Herod, so they returned to their home country by another way.
Lectio Divina
Read: Isaiah prophesies about the dawn of the Light of the nations. Paul speaks of the great revelation of the Mystery that offers redemption to all, Jews and Gentiles alike. Matthew narrates the visit of the Magi, guided by the Star, to the babe of Bethlehem, the Light and Desire of the nations.
Reflect: Why did the Star in the East lead the Magi via Herod’s Palace? Couldn’t have the Star guided them straight all the way to Bethlehem? Perhaps it was part of God’s grand design that the way of the Magi should include a stopover at Herod’s, announcing the Good News to his household as well. Like the sower who lets the seed fall on rocks and thorny bushes.... You are beginning a year-long journey today. If your journey does not go like a straight arrow, but involves detours, do not panic – God has a reason to take you through such terrain. Just do not lose sight of the Star. And do not forget to sow the seed of God’s Good News whichever terrain the Star takes you through.
Pray: Lord, give me the grace to keep my eyes fixed on your Star throughout this year and walk the path it leads me through.
Act: Bless ahead: Say a prayer of blessing for all the people you would be meeting this year.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2018