THE BIBLE- LISTENING TO MATTHEW
COMMENT FOR EPIPHANY 1 – 6.01.08
Isaiah 60: 1-6
It is the last quarter of the sixth century BC and after the Persian forces captured Babylon the first group of exiles have returned to Jerusalem. But they are faced with the destruction and fifty years of neglect, and they soon become despondent. Now we hear the voice of a new Isaiah, possibly the third, give his message of hope. It is the same authentic message: that the light of their God’s spiritual presence will be so great that it will attract the interest and the wealth of nations. They will be enriched by what they offer.
Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14
This Psalm belongs to the time after David was established as king in Jerusalem and the twelve tribes of Israel settled in to their united life. The debate then moved on to a consideration of kingship as managing the country’s affairs. At best it is seen as carrying out the perfect will of God for the community. Oppression and violence are to be eliminated; the weak and the poor get prosperity like rain brings fruitful seasons. We can imagine this Psalm being sung at a coronation.
Ephesians 3: 1-12
Paul had never been a companion of Jesus in Palestine so he had no stories to tell of the ministry in Galilee. His meeting was with the spiritual power of a risen Christ on the Damascus road. Out in the Gentile world he sees that this is where his ministry is most needed, so he offers his hearers the same experience that has invigorated his life. This, he believes, is the eternal purpose of God performing in Jesus a new creative act for the whole of humanity.
Matthew 2: 1-12
There is strong symbolism in this beautiful story. Herod represents the cruel realities of political power; the very antithesis of the values of Psalm 72. The wise men represent the Gentiles who will come and worship bringing the wealth of their mysterious feeling for the natural world. The silent stars are part of the natural world where, if we can read them aright, we can join in the worship of the loving creator. This young family however are soon refugees – how ignorant is an uncaring world! And how vulnerable are the young before the strong who resist the pull of the spiritual life.
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