Is this week’s story simply something about the “3 Kings of Orient Are”? We all know this story, how these men paid a visit to Jesus when He was born. They see the star and are guided by it. Upon meeting Jesus, they give them gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And later because of the dream mentioned, they go about their way as opposed to what was the original plan of informing Herod.

Is this reading as basic as a story? My guess is no.

When King Herod inquired about the whereabouts of the “newborn King of the Jews,” he asked more out of concern for his own position. Had he known where Jesus was, it is a shuddering thought to think what could’ve happened. In those days, not only sacrifices were conducted and accepted in general, but also blatant killing by those in power.

This is speculation on my part, but there was a reason the dream changed the kings’ route after paying homage. So, it is a possibility that Jesus may have never had the opportunity to do what He did for His time, for others, for generations, for us.

This confirms the saying, that “Things happen for a reason.” And in this case, Jesus was not only born on Earth but given many years to make His mark. And that He did.

Knowing that Jesus is our model and given a life on Earth, what do you with yours?

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Mt 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.

Note: Published 2/2 for 1/3