Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
It truly is “the most wonderful time of the year” and this story of the Visit of the Wise Men is yet another lyrical element of the Christmas story. Into the drab stable cave come these Gentile visitors from the Orient richly dressed in vibrant colors. Whatever is of gold in their garb catches the light of the fire there. We can also hear the tinkling of the bells on the camel harness as the stately animals make their moves. They are a stark contrast to the locals gathered.
Analyzing Matthew’s story, a bit makes us wonder. How many visitors were there? Three or thirteen? After all, it’s the number of gifts they brought that makes us compute the group size. Along the way, these exotic visitors became the Three Kings. Tradition further conferred names on them: Caspar (who is made black), Balthazar and Melchior in the Western Church.
Their gifts became highly significant. Gold highlights the kingship of Jesus. The frankincense His divinity. The Myrrh, an embalming fluid no less, stands for Christ’s redemptive suffering. We can see that this story is more than meets the eye.
Remembering that Matthew wrote his gospel for Jewish converts to Christianity, we must recognize his main point: Jesus came for Gentiles as well as Jews. He is the designated Savior of all mankind.
This last aspect of the story had to be a challenge for Matthew’s readers. They had a long tradition behind their generally accepted belief that Yahweh God had chosen them as His people. That is true even in our own time. But this was a choice that had to call for expansion. Otherwise, God is rendered too small. Believers in the myriad Gentile gods had to know that paradise was an option for them that entailed belief in the one supreme Lord.
We contemporary believers must maintain an immense respect for the children of Abraham. After all, as the Roman Canon declares: “Abraham (is) our father in faith.” The baby Jesus came to us as a Jew. The Blessed Mother and St. Joseph were good practicing Jews. So were most of Our Lord’s closest early followers. Anti-antisemitism has no place in a Christian heart. That evil threatens the beautiful poetry of this feast on this first Sunday of the new year. The axiom is true: “Wise men still seek Him.”
“We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.”
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Isaiah 60: 1-6
All parts of the world will process to Jerusalem. There they will rebuild the city in prosperous times.
Reading II: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6
The author recounts Paul’s role in announcing the divine plan. Its main point is the new inclusion of the Gentile world.
The Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
Jesus’ birth is inserted into the political and social context. The wise men represent the Gentile world coming to Christ.