Preaching on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, David Neuhaus, S.J., explores a curiosity in the story of the Wise Men’s journey from the East to the Bethlehem manger. “Why didn’t the star take them straight to Bethlehem? Why did it take them to Jerusalem?,” he asks. "I think it took them to Jerusalem, as we are always taken to Jerusalem, because we must encounter the scriptures of Israel,” he continues. “It is from the Scriptures of Israel that they will receive the precise destination to which they are going—Bethlehem.”
[Take a quick listener survey: Tell us what you love about “Preach” and what you’d like us to change]
David, a Jesuit priest and Scripture scholar of the Near-East province of the Jesuits, was born into Judaism in South Africa but has lived most of his life in the Holy Land. Firmly declaring his roots, he states, “I was born a Jew and remain a Jew,” he states, firmly declaring his roots. “I didn't have any faith until I became a Catholic.” Over the course of his ministry as a Jesuit, he has dedicated himself to teaching Scripture in both Israel and Palestine. Notably, from 2008 to 2017, he served as the vicar for the Hebrew-speaking Catholic community in Israel. Presently, he splits his time between Johannesburg and Jerusalem.
[Do you have a preacher to recommend for Preach? Let us know here. ]
On this week's “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., delves into David’s questioning of the route the Magi took to see Jesus and its implications for the Sunday Mass readings. “There is always some intimate connection between the first reading from the Old Testament and the third reading from the Gospel,” David notes. “I would also say that it is very helpful when we realize that what we are called to do in a homily is to make Jesus alive, bring Jesus alive, and that Jesus is made alive by explicit texts about Jesus in the New Testament, and an implicit promise of Jesus in the Old Testament.
[Listen now and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast service.]
The star took the Magi to Jerusalem, as we are always taken to Jerusalem, because we must encounter the Scriptures of Israel.
Scripture Readings for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
First Reading: Is 60:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Second Reading: Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: Mt 2:1-12
You can find the full text of the readings here.
Homily for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord by David Neuhaus, S.J.
Jesus was born in difficult times—not easier than those in which we live today. Yet, despite the darkness surrounding him, there were those who found their way to the manger in order to adore him. God does not abandon us in times of darkness and continues to guide us to the light even if we struggle with the darkness that seeks to swallow us. In the Gospel today, there are a number of surprising elements. I would like to underline a few so that we can become more aware of the ways in which God works in our world.
This feast of the Epiphany (the manifestation of the Lord) is symbolized by the bright star in the Gospel we heard. It leads three magi, wise men from the East, on a journey. These men, not from the people of Israel, do not know the Scriptures that speak of God and God’s promises; however, they are able to read the signs in nature, gazing at the stars. Following this special star, they set out to find the King of the Jews who is the Savior of all the nations.
Interestingly, the star does not lead them to the manger in Bethlehem, where the child lies. Rather, it takes them to Jerusalem, center of the Jewish world, to King Herod. Jesus will later say to the Samaritan woman: “salvation comes from the Jews” (John 4:22). The word of God in the Scriptures, the word of salvation, comes to us from the Jews, a people chosen by God to bring light into the world, the light that results from living according to God’s Word. The wise men must hear the words of the prophets, from the Jews in Jerusalem. It is there that they learn that the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, as spoken by the prophet Micah.
The star does not lead the Magi to the manger in Bethlehem, where the child lies. Rather, it takes them to Jerusalem, center of the Jewish world, to King Herod.
However, unconsciously, these wise men from the nations also challenge the Jews in Jerusalem. In a special way, they provoke the king. Standing before the king, or at least the one who thinks he is king, Herod, they ask: Where is the king? Can you imagine saying to a king where the king is? It is not just impolite, it is verging on insurrection.
From the Old Testament, we know that the king of Israel is supposed to be God. When the people was born, emerging from Egypt after crossing the sea, they sing with Moses: “God reigns forever” (Ex. 15:18). However, this people, seeking to be like all other people, repeatedly asks to have a king of flesh and blood rather than recognizing God as its king. The story of kingship in Israel, starting with Avimelekh in the Book of Judges and passing through the figures of Saul, David, Solomon and many other kings, most of them great sinners, is mostly a tragic story. Kings tend to be Pharaohs, ruthless, self-interested and corrupt.
And Herod, who will be revealed as a true Pharaoh, slaughtering the children of Bethlehem to try and wipe out the Messiah, understands immediately what the wise men are saying. These three strangers, without even knowing it, are telling him that his time is up. They are announcing that the true King has come. They are speaking truth to power.
These wise men from the East were from among the nations and yet God opens for them a way to reach the light.
These wise men from the East were from among the nations and yet God opens for them a way to reach the light. They read the book of a wonderful creation, which we tend to overlook in times of darkness. Like the Bible, creation too tells of the Creator and his plan for our lives. In this plan, life is stronger than death, light will vanquish the darkness. And yet, the way is long and winding.
The wise men offer the baby their gifts—expected gifts—for a king, gold and for a high priest, incense (as mentioned in the Book of Isaiah 60, read on this feast). However, they also bring out of their pouches, myrrh–an unexpected gift that heralds the fate of the baby. Myrrh is used to prepare a corpse for burial. Indeed, darkness will try to extinguish the light... but will never succeed.
Already at his birth, Jesus is bringing together Jews and Gentiles, Israel and the nations. The Jewish shepherds we heard about on Christmas day are now joined by the Gentile wise men at the manger. They have all come to adore the Word of God. Saint Paul reminds us that in Jesus there is neither “Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female” (Gal. 3:28). For “he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” He seeks to “create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it” (Eph. 2:14-17).
On this feast, let us again swear fidelity to the one and only king—the merciful and compassionate Father who seeks out all His children in order to give them life and blessing, light and joy in excess, through His Son. On this feast, He reveals His Son to the world. Come, let us go to the manger in order to give him all we have. We know he will give us more than we can ever imagine and also his peace.
