The Magi seek one they believe is born to wisdom. They are strong in their conviction, travelling possibly thousands of miles to find the child. They are therefore also strong physically to make the journey and strong emotionally to keep at it. Being strong they are not deterred by a weak King, Herod, who is conniving in his desire they reveal the whereabouts of the child they seek.
Herod is a hierarch, a ruler and is therefore weak. He cannot stand alone in conscience and must stand instead with the pomp and pageantry of position. As weak, he seeks to harm and destroy those who are innocent and defenseless. This is shown in his quest to murder a baby, Jesus. Herod needs to eliminate threats, no matter how small. He fears challenges, no matter how minor. The small and the minor loom large in his imagination because he lives in fear of his domination ending. Herod will pass on to his sons his same position and its weak vices. His sons too will be weak; weak of conviction, weak of character. Not so the wisdom figures of this Gospel; the Magi, more so Mary and Joseph. They will pass on to Jesus the strength of conscience and character and community. Mary’s conscience is strong in telling her to bring this child to birth, no matter the difficult circumstances. Joseph’s character is strong in telling him to love and nurture a child not his own. Their extended community is strong in telling the world that in this child and every child, “God is with us.”
May we know our strength of conscience when we stand alone for others. May we know our strength of character when we bend down to lift another up. May we know our strength of community when we freely offer our gifts to others as we receive theirs.
Prayer: Spirit, help me be strong for others who are weak
Question: What is my strength of conscience, character, and community?
January 5, 2014 Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 Feast of the Epiphany