The wise men found the infant Jesus in a house some days after Jesus had been born in a stable. Their coming may have occurred around the days of Jesus' Presentation in the Temple forty days after His birth when Simeon prophesied that Jesus was both "a revealing Light to the Gentiles" and "a Sign of contradiction" (Lk 2:32, 34, our transl). Possibly the wise men were wise because they did not contradict Jesus, a Sign of contradiction.
Because they believed the star of Bethlehem was announcing the birth of the King of the Jews, the wise men followed the star, prostrated themselves before Jesus, and "presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Mt 2:11). The actions of the wise men did not contradict Jesus. However, Herod, after having said he would offer Jesus homage (Mt 2:8), contradicted himself and tried to murder Jesus (Mt 2:16).
We too contradict Jesus and ourselves when we say:
There may be other contradictions in our lives. Yet the wise men and women are not contradictory; they are prostrate in worship of Jesus.
| PRAYER: | Father, make me consistent, faithful, and wise. |
| PROMISE: | "Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you...Nations shall walk by your light." –Is 60:1-3 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, risen Jesus! You contradicted worldly wisdom by defeating death and sin. Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College