Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 5th January - Epiphany - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

'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?'' (Matt 2.1-2)

Reflection:

The birth of Mary’s baby would never have gained a place in history if it had not been for the few short years in which as an adult Jesus had not overturned the tables.

The gospel records of angels, shepherds and wise men (Magi) appear to be a mixture of family memory with ah-ha reflections from readings of the prophecies in the Jewish scriptures. How much of the stories we have heard about the (three?) wise men (kings?) is historical fact is a matter of individual judgment, but the powerful truth is that the world was transformed by Jesus, and it is symbolised brilliantly by an innocent baby being sought out by wise men of very different cultures, and a poor family visited by rich rulers.

If we have come to hope for political leaders who will seek the common good rather than their own advantage, we have Mary’s baby to thank.

David Harmsworth