Wise Men and Holy Innocents - The Epiphany

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. Mt 2:2

Today’s Gospel tells of the visit of the magi, who follow a star to find the newborn king of the Jews. These men stop in Jerusalem seeking direction from King Herod and his scribes and high priests. Herod is “greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him,” at the news of the birth of the prophesied king of the Jews. Herod’s reaction is not one of joy and amazement to realize that the ancient prophecies of his people are being fulfilled in his time. Instead, he immediately begins scheming to find and destroy this child who he sees as a threat to his power.

It is interesting to note that the whole city is troubled at this news. Does the city represent worldly power and its opposition to the radical message of Christianity? The citizens, even the chief priests and the scribes are perhaps too comfortable in their roles as leaders to be open to the message of the prophets, that one day, a little child will lead them. Do they somehow sense that such a King will ultimately ask them to discard earthly honor, power, and wealth? They cling to the power structures that they are familiar with, unable or unwilling to recognize God’s will in the events that are about to unfold.

The magi, “having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,” protect the little king they have come to worship, and “depart for their country by another way.” Joseph will also heed the voice of God whispered in the night, fleeing to safety with Mary and Jesus. Sadly, Herod’s rage will soon be vented by the murder of the holy innocents.

In cities and nations of the world today, Herod’s attack on the child - God’s own image - is starkly played out in the battle between pro-life and pro-abortion forces. Our challenge is to listen to the small, still voice of God in the night: Rise up, protect the child! Let us say “yes” to life as Mary did, and protect the lives of the innocent as Joseph and the wise men did, even if it means facing the wrath of “kings” who are set on their destruction.

Readings for the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 8th, 2017

Is 60:1-6 ~ Ps 72 ~ Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 ~ Mt 2:1-12

Link to the Complete Text of the Readings