1st Epiphany
Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea—during the time of King Herod—behold: wise priest-kings from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the one born here, King of the Jews? We have seen his star rise in the east and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. And he assembled all the high priests and scribes of the people and inquired of them in what place the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it was written by the prophet:
 |
| Gertraud Kiedaisch |
Are
by no means the least among the rulers of Judah;
For
out of you shall come forth the ruler
Who will be shepherd over my people, the true Israel."
Then Herod, secretly calling the Magi together again, inquired from them the exact time when the star had appeared. He directed them to Bethlehem and said, "Go there and search carefully for the child, and when you find him, report to me, that I too may go and bow down before him."
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and behold, the star that they had seen rising went before them and led them in its course over the cities until it stood over the place where the child was. Seeing the star, they were filled with [or, there awakened in them] an exceedingly great and holy joy.
Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother; they fell down before him and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him their gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their country by another way.
1st Epiphany Sunday
Matthew 2:1-12
Humankind
has always seen the stars as grouped together in constellations. Especially in ancient
times, mighty pictures arose in people's souls when they gazed into the night
sky.
For every child, there is a star in the heavens. It is the place from whence the child comes, a place that safeguards the soul's true name. The child brings it to earth, a shining thing in the treasure chest of the heart. Sometimes parents catch a glimpse of this true name, even before the child is born.
In the gospel reading, a Child is born; a great star appears in the heavens. Upon this star are written His many names: Wonderful, Counselor, the everlasting Lord, the Prince of Peace. In legend, traveling day and night for thirteen days, the three Magi constellate themselves like slow-moving planets around the Child and His Mother. They cross paths with Herod's death star. But in constant devotion the One whose name is also Truth, they themselves, along with the Child, are safe.
We,
too, led by our hearts, have chosen to gather ourselves around the Christ
star.
I went out without being
observed….
In darkness and
confident, I laid hold
of the hidden ladder…..
I moved sightless
without light or guide,
save that which burned
in my heart.
Heartlight guided me
more surely
than the light of
glaring day to the place
where He—yes, I knew— was awaiting me.*
Each
human heart moves toward Christ. We have come together on earth, guided by heartlight,
to form his community. Together we are an earthly reflection of His star in the
heavens. For our true names, carried in our hearts, are connected with Christ,
the star of love.
* St. John of the Cross, “Dark Night”, in Love’s Immensity, Mystics on the
Endless Life, Scott Cairns, p. 128.
