1/8/2023 (Sunday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 2:1-12

1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
2 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”
3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:
6 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.”
7 Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
8 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.”
9 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.
10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
11 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.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

1/8/2023 (Sunday) Today’s gospel reflection: Matthew 2:1-12

The gospel passage about the three kings is one of the dramatic scenes of the nativity story. It is indeed a fitting event to cap the wonderful story of Christmas. Jesus is made known to the world (epiphany) as the Son of God, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the savior of mankind.

The three kings went on a journey of faith. They were not sure of where they were going (hence the inquiry in Jerusalem) but they just believed they will find the king! The gospel tells us that they were overjoyed at seeing the star of Bethlehem and when they saw Baby Jesus and His mother, they prostrated and worshipped Him. Then they offered Him gifts.

As we go back to normal days after celebrating Christmas, may our life be not as normal as before. May we be like the three kings in our search for a deeper relationship with God. Let Jesus be our real “star of Bethlehem” to guide and lead us in our own journey of faith. We may not be sure of what will happen in the year 2023 but with Him on our side, we know we shall overcome any obstacle like “King Herod” on our way. The season of Christmas may have come to an end but let its message of hope, love, joy and peace remain in our heart. As we continue to worship Jesus Christ, may we be the gifts to other people by sharing these messages. May we also be the “star of Bethlehem” to other people so that they too can find the Messiah.

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