Commentary

Epiphany of the Lord
Matthew 2:1-12

Some lives are spent looking for the King, while to others, His coming is a disturbance

Matthew contrasts the magi from the east, who are Gentiles, with Herod and those with him in Jerusalem in a number of ways.

First, Matthew subtly indicates his attittude about the authenticity of the two kings. "In the days of king Herod," the magi arrive in Jerusalem looking for the king of the Jews. Ironically, Herod had the title "King of the Jews" as appointed by the Roman senate (1). We know from history that Herod secured his rule with political manipulations and schemes, and violence. Already in Matthew's narrative, we know how cruel Herod could be. As a result, many Jews never recognize Herod as their legitimate king. Jesus' legitimacy, on the other hand, is made known to the Gentile magi with a sign in the heaven.

Secondly, the magi are not part of the chosen people of Israel. They do not enjoy the knowledge of Scriptures, an ancestral covenant, nor a faith tradition that teaches them to wait for the promised Messiah (2). The chosen people, in particular, the chief priests and the scribes assembled by Herod, enjoy all those benefits. They know about the Messiah. Yet, they do not know Him.

The first two differences naturally lead to the third one. The magi find themselves in Jerusalem searching for the king, a search they began the moment they saw his star. In contrast, Herod is "greatly troubled and all Jerusalem with him" at the news.

God continues to break into our lives. We can have the magi's attitude and allow him to enter and change our lives. Or we can find him a disturbance to our routine and be troubled.

---------------
(1) Harrington, Daniel J., The Gospel of Matthew. Sacra Pagina series. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991; p. 41.
(2) Moloney, Francis J. The Gospel of the Lord: Reflections on the Gospel Readings : Year B. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1994; p. 82.