Gospel of Matthew Series: Chapter 2: Placing God first and facing the challenges it brings.

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SERIES.

THE BIBLE: GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SERIES.

Chapter 2: Placing God first and facing the challenges it brings.

In Chapter 2, there are 4 stories interwoven into the chapter namely 1. The Visit of the Magi, 2. The flight into Egypt, 3. The Massacre of the Innocents and 4. The return from Egypt.

The Magi were probably wise men who studied astrology, but later tradition portrays them as kings, who because of their knowledge knew that the star that appeared for them was something they had to follow. Their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh symbolized Christ’s royalty, divinity and passion.

They listened to what Herod had to say to them, giving him respect, but were not drawn into his dishonest behaviour, since they seemingly seemed aware of his insincerity and fear.

It is interesting to note the reaction of Herod who was governed by power and who

·                     felt threatened at the possibility there may be another king (someone to threaten his job),

·                     played the game pretending he wanted to worship also (sought out information about the threat and how he might overcome the enemy).

The Magi however stayed focused on what they came to seek- they were guided by the star, which filled them with delight because it helped them find what they came to seek- Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the manger. They were able to do him homage and offer their gifts.

We then encounter the flight into Egypt. Joseph is not a procrastinator.  He does what the angel tells him without delay ' He got up and taking the child and his mother with him left that night for Egypt.' One senses the urgency and the worry and the fear of knowing that Herod wanted Jesus killed- not the type of start to being the foster father of Jesus that Joseph may have hoped for.  Yet, Joseph as we know was a man of faith and believed in God's providence towards him and Mary. His faith and obedience to God sustained him in this difficult journey.

The wise men and Joseph’s fear of Herod is justified as we read the next phase of chapter 2 where Herod has all male children up to the age of 2 killed since he was outwitted by the wise men. He took revenge because he did not get his own way and made as many people suffer because of it.

Then in the final section of this chapter is the story of Joseph returning with Mary and the baby from Egypt after Herod’s death back to the land of Israel.  However, as Herod’s son had succeeded Herod, Joseph was warned in a dream not to go there but settled in the region of Galilee- at Nazareth.

What can we learn for our lives from these 4 connecting stories in this chapter?

ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 2

This week as we reflect on chapter 2, we may wish to:

·      Stay focused and to give the Christ child homage, by bending our knees and offering our gifts to Him. We need to place God first in our lives at all times

·    Be guided by the light of the star of faith just as the wise men followed the signs given to them. God gives us signs to follow through the church and the sacraments.

·   Be attentive to what God is telling us to do. We need to be pro-active and responsive as Joseph. Spend some time in reflection to hear what God is speaking to us.

·  Have compassion for parents who suffer and grieve through loss of a baby/child either through miscarriage, abortion or tragedy. We may wish to learn more about the issue of abortion

·      Be alert and listen to the stirrings of God within us, since He desires the best path for us.