Gospel Passage
Matt. 2:1 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.
Questions for Discussion:
1. The star helped guide the wise men to Jesus. All of us are meant to be like
that star, so that we bring people to the Lord. How are you doing as a star?
Do you tell your friends about Jesus? Your family?
2. The wise men traveled a very long way to worship Jesus. The same Jesus is present right here, right now in the Eucharist. You live much closer to Church than the
wise men did to Bethlehem. What do you think you should do?
3. Why do you think King Herod wanted to kill Jesus? What was he afraid of?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
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