Gospel for January 7 2024 – Matthew 2:1-12
Gospel Reflections for January 7 2024
Wise travelers follow a star to Bethlehem…
Now we know how they got there. There is a new field in astronomy that examines the night sky not as it is now but as it was centuries ago. It is called Paleo-Astronomy, and it has recently turned to investigate what was the original Bethlehem Star that guided the Wise Men at that first Christmas.
Several theories have developed and all tend to corroborate the Gospel account. (You can find more information at the popular website, bethlehemstar.com)
It is one thing to observe celestial events and quite another to derive some deeper meaning from them. The Wise Men could discern among the many thousands of stars in the night sky, or the many Kings of the earth, just the one star that was important and just the right King to whom they should pay respect with gifts of Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh. Perhaps that is why they are called wise.
They reveal the difference between education and wisdom. While a good education helps you learn many things, wisdom reveals which ones are important. Wisdom is the greater gift!
I am sure 2024 will bring a flood of more political crises, complicated immigration debates, and perhaps tragically even more terrorist events. There may also be all the challenging events in your family or among your friends as well.
That is the time to seek and appreciate those wise people in your life who can help you make sense of it all and put everything in the right perspective. However, why not grow in that same wisdom yourself?
At the end of January, you will receive the new 2024 University Series Catalogs at Mass. It will offer 50 sessions that connect your faith with real life during the five weeks of Lent starting on February 15th. The new website will be live then for pre-registration as well. For every session you can bring a friend for free. Sessions will be at St. Bruno, St. Mary’s, and Beatitudes in their Churches. This Lent is a short but important time to grow in the same wisdom that guided the wise travelers in today’s Gospel.
The night sky is very different now than it was then …but the King remains the same. Decide today to seek His wisdom. It is truly the wisest thing to do. See you in the University Series!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Wow! I looked into your suggestion to look further into the Star of Bethlehem you noted and was positively amazed by what I found. I noticed the imprint in the concrete at the Cathedral in Los Angeles the imprint of the Constelation of Stars and Planets displayed there and wondered how they.could determine what to insert there. Now I Know.
Keplers Theories were certainly helped by the invention of computers. Those Wise Men showed their intelligence by going back without telling Herod where Jesus was staying. The Epiphany is a great Feast celebrated for Centuries.
Thanks for all you do in educating us in this wonderful Faith we profess and enjoy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR ,!
This feast of the Epiphany is really the celebration of wise people who know which person to look to for wisdom. This is one of my favorite days of the year!
Thank you for your wisdom always! Merry little Christmas today the epiphany of our lord and happy new year! Xoxo Nurse Mary Jo
Happy and Blessed New Year!
Thanks Father have you got a favorite in the Football Championship?
WASHINGTON..! OR. MICHIGAN. Notre Dame is not Playing this time.
Tom Joyce. Admirer
A little late in my reply, but I was pulling for Michigan. I like the coach there and wonder if he will stay. I am sure the NFL wants him back.
Love your precious insights!!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the gift ofWisdom, Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee your amazing University series, Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee being a precious part of the University in the past years speaking about our precious Blessed Mother’s Apparitions!!!Those precious moments are in Dick and my heart forever!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you our precious Father Dave for our loving Jesus and our beautiful Blessed Mother live beautifully in you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and dick
Thank you!
Wow, thank you, Fr. Dave for the fascinating read. I’ve always been intrigued by the Magi.
You are welcome!