Reflection on The Gospel of Matthew 2: 1-15,19-23 Second Sunday after Christmas And the Epiphany January 5, 2025

The Gospel of Matthew 2:1-15, 19-23
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “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.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'”
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
After the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”
Let us Pray: Today we ask your prayers for all the refugees of the world. Guide and protect them through their travels as they seek refuge as the Holy Family did over 2000 years ago. Hold each and every one close as they not only seek refuge but seek You. This we pray in your name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
I combined two of the three gospels for this Sunday as both of Matthew’s Gospels really reflect our world today. With threats of deporting immigrants, to wars in several area, our world is in a crisis as displaced people are trying to find a safe refuge. Many have no place to go, they can’t go home as many of them have no homes to return to or it is too dangerous to go back home. What is the choice that many around the world are still forced to make: they seek refuge in a foreign country following in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary, with children holding tight to their hearts, parents fleeing governments and mobsters who do not care. Fleeing from modern day Herods, dads and moms hold their little ones close as bombs fall and missiles explode around them. As we look at this story, we can see the fears and hopes through the eyes of the millions of refugees and asylum seekers of our time. God is just as much at work in the lives of those who are threatened now as was the case in the life of the family we name as “holy”. God worked through Mary and Joseph and others to protect the child. God works in our times through those who imagine or dream of a different future for the homeless and deprived and act to achieve those dreams. As we move into a new year, we need to ensure we are among them. Let us strive to act and respond lovingly to the people and the situations that we encounter as we go about our daily routine each day. We may not be able to change the world, but we can strive to make our “little corner of the world” a more loving and joyful place. Who knows? The actions of one person may make your little corner of the world a brighter and more loving place and bring a feeling of love and hope to a person. It is as scary today for all of us as it was for Mary and Joseph. We need to remember that God walks with each of us on our journey no matter how frightful it may seem. The story of the Wise Men says there is something special that awaits at the finish. As we begin a new year do not worry about what gifts you bring, each is appropriate in its own way as you follow the star. As you journey ask yourself, where is the light of that star leading you in this new year? At the moment, that star rests it is up to you to find out if it leads to Jesus. So, at the end of this Christmas season, we need to take a step back and reflect on what you can do to grow closer to God in this coming year, what we need to do in order to follow His path for you. That way, one day we can feel the pure joy which the Magi felt when they finally encountered Christ in the Nativity. Follow the star!
Let us Pray: Loving Father, We lift up to You all those who are displaced and seeking refuge, just as the Holy Family fled to Egypt for safety. Provide them with shelter, protection, and hope. May they find comfort in Your presence and the support of compassionate communities. Stir our hearts to extend love and assistance to those in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.