Matthew 2:11

. . . 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 - Matthew 2:11

“They”, of course, are the magi, unnumbered by Matthew, who “saw his star at its rising and have come
to do him homage.” Their gifts are gifts suitable for a king as they understood that the star was announcing the birth of the King of the Jews, the title the Romans would nail to his cross.  Matthew has no shepherds, no manger, no census to pull them from Nazareth to Bethlehem. His story
begins in Bethlehem in a house.

The Magi find a baby and probably a very bewildered young mother named Mary. Some nine months
before she had become pregnant without Joseph’s aid, had endured shame and a near-divorce, and now
some very upper-crust astrologers are at her door with gifts suitable for a king! Very strange goings-on,
indeed.

But Matthew’s focus is on Joseph, who very likely was not thrilled that these magi were at his door
looking for the King of the Jews. He undoubtedly suspected that Herod knew of their search and that
Herod would not be pleased. I imagine the sleep that brought another angel messenger telling him to
flee to Egypt was a troubled sleep indeed.

The nativity stories in Matthew and in Luke are very different but the portraits of Joseph and of Mary
are mirror-images. Both Jesus’ parents are faith-filled. Both accept God’s will, and in both stories the
two of them embark together on journey to fulfill that will. This is discipleship. Mary and Joseph were
granted the Stewardship of the King of All Creation. They both found the courage to accept God’s will
and got moving!

Our parish this year is facing challenges. We have been shrinking for many years for a variety of reasons.
But with the strategic plan being developed over the last couple of years, there is new energy in the
parish. We are now embarking on a new faith journey of our own. Let us get moving with the faith and
courage of Mary and Joseph.

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If you have any questions about ministry or giving please ask me at jvrussell85@gmail.com.