Gifts of Gold – Matthew 2:1-12 Reflection
Traditionally, when invited to visit someone who has moved into a new home, you thank them for their hospitality and give them a gift for their new home. We often do the same thing for a new child being born. This tradition goes as far back as recorded faith. The magi did the same, and because of the signs and a remarkable prophecy of a new king being born, they believed they would meet and get to know the shepherd of the people of Israel. Like the Magi, your joy, love, and presence to all those you are visiting are more important than the value of the symbolic gifts of gold you have given. You probably have evidence of what it means to be attentive to others because you sense they will know where Jesus lives in your heart.
The Adoration of the Magi by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture*
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 2:1-12 Reflection – Gifts of Gold
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 2 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.