The Magi walk in one day, laden with gifts, and ask for directions. Herod happens to be in. He is a man easily missed; he could have been out expanding his kingdom.
The Magi tell the King that they are led by a presence. Herod is “greatly disturbed.” His contagious anxiety shows on his face and his hands as he grips his throne. Give him tax problems any day, but not this. He hears from these foreign visitors that a new King is born, an infant King. And Herod, at the least little word of newness, trembles.
Even with his army, political contacts, and operatives, Herod still needs absolute control. With all his parades, conquests, medals, and monuments, he remains unsure of himself and must still proudly defend every token of reputation and respect. When the least little rumor threatens that reign, all he can do is worry. His accomplishments, many as they are, can’t protect him from his worst, unconquerable enemy - himself. He has never learned the beauty of surrender, and so all those around him must pay the price.
Herod is so fragile in his insecurity he needs the easy way out; after fear, it is sloth that reigns in his sad heart: he sends strangers to do his dirty work. He tells them to go and find out detailed information about the child. Notice also Herod’s twice repeated need for “exact time” and “detailed information,” as if knowing it all will impress those who may ask. He runs the familiar yet futile perfectionistic plan. His kingdom begins to suffocate from within. And threatened by the child, this all-too worldly King settles on a solution. Murder. The newborn king thus incurs his first criminal offense, this first accusation will be the same his last, just before the Cross: sedition.
This is a most fascinating infant-King. He is given costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. One of the first acts of the newborn king is to let these riches go. He does not take the gold and buy the inn and fire the innkeeper (This has puzzled me ever since I was old enough to see over the pews in church!). Instead, He chooses poverty. He does not form a political alliance with these kings, making them honorary apostles. Even though He could have certainly used their clout later.
Where do we fit in? After coming to the stable the Wise Men moved on from the star and began to follow their dreams. The light moves from the heavens to their heart.
To find what gives the star its light and the dreams their depth, look at the Cross. Come, let us adore Him!
A blessed Epiphany!
Msgr. Brian BransfieldTT
