A Moment Aside for 5 January 2021 -- near Epiphany

 A Moment Aside --- 5 January 2021   for Epiphany

   

     

    In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 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.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

 ‘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.’”

 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 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.” 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. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.    (Matthew 2: 1-12)

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     Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”  And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.   (Matthew 19: 13-15)

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     The Magi (traditionally three, but who really knows) come from far away to honour Jesus as the new-born king. Gifts of gold (fit for a king), frankincense (fit for the Deity) and myrrh (the bitterest herb, fit for a human, representing suffering) are given and received. These people are not of the Chosen People and still their gifts are not rejected… and neither are they. So then, who is unworthy in the sight of God?

    Little children are gathered around for Jesus to bless. Some say they are not worthy or good to have around. Some say they’re not ready for what Jesus has to say. Jesus then says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these little kids. So then, who is unworthy in the sight of God?

    So the kingdom of God is given to Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. So the kingdom is meant for Skippy and Kitty and all the gang. So the kingdom is given to the likes of us, just as we are. Grace does not ask us to change before it floods over us. For sure, it will change us when it does flow. Grace makes us who we really are… in the sight of God.