Reflection
Very early in the story of Jesus we are faced with the forces of good and evil. The good, coming from the East, the wise men. They come to worship a king and give him gifts. They believe their divinely inspired star and can accept their king born to a simple carpenter’s wife.
Herod is afraid that a new king will want his throne. He will do whatever evil is necessary to maintain his power.
We talk of Jesus as a heavenly king and Mary as Queen of Heaven, but let us not forget that they were very ordinary people in Palestine. How do you imagine the Holy Family?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to imagine you are in the scene.
Scripture
Matthew 2:1-8
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet,
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are in no way least among the princes of Judah;
for out of you shall come a governor
who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’”
Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child.
When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.”
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
We Three Kings: Choir of Kings College, Cambridge.