Eucharistic Readings for the Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7,10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12:
This is a re-submit of Sunday’s blog because today is the Day of the Epiphany.
“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Matthew 2:2)
These travelers from some point East, have been called Wise Men or Magi (Magicians) and even kings. But further study by scholars have shown them to be Astrologers, or perhaps astronomers . They studied the heavens.
So in these words we hear the men of early science say that they are looking for a child born king of the Jews (not king of Israel). I find it interesting that this will also be the words placarded over his head on the cross, “Jesus king of the Jews.” So Jesus is king not of a specific land mass but of a One God faith – a faith that he invites all people to share – to be grafted into his very own body and blood. There is a specialness about this child.
The Astrologers say, “We observed his star.” Wait, What? He has a star? If a child or any person has a dedicated star, that child or person is recognized by the heavenly bodies as an entity unique in all creation. No one before, or since, has ever had a celestial body as an indicator of their being. From outside the child’s community, the specialness of this child is made known to those, even in far off lands, who study the heavens.
It takes a certain amount of acceptance to acknowledge not being the chosen people of God, and that a person from another culture has been chosen. But here is the deal, we have this blessed assurance, that whomever God picks, it is not just for that person, or group, or nation, or clan, or family only. Moses was blessed not for himself but for the liberation of Israelites. And in this particular case the Son of God is born for the salvation of all humanity.
If a celestial body bends down to identify its creator, who are we to ignore that same author of our own creation, we who live within that same creation? The astronomers put their own ethnicity, culture and race aside and looked at what the heavens were doing, and so should we. God’s plan is so much larger than any group of us. We too need to see the light.
Two additional notes: 1. I am reminded of the bumper sticker that says “Wise men still seek Him.” And 2. I advise all who read this blog for today to seek out the “Forward Day by Day” Daily Devotional for today written by David Sibley, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walla Walla, Washington. It is worth the search and the pondering.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (BCP p. 214)
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 