Each of the Gospels begins with the baptism of Jesus – launches his public ministry (next week)
Each has an overture – like a piece of music that introduces us to mood and main themes.
Matthew is no different. 2 chapters that situate the action of his genealogy and birth. He wrote his gospel after Mark, in Syrian Antioch just after the fall of Jerusalem (70 CE).
Antioch is the place where the followers of Jesus were first called Christian.
Significance of Jesus can only be understood in the light of his thoroughly Jewish background – but not limited to Judaism.
Jesus is Emmanuel – Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
The Magi represent the gentile (non-Jewish) nations coming to Jesus.
We come from many nations + background.
Our church is catholic. Our desire + aspiration is to be Catholic. Yet, we are broken. Not yet truly Catholic. We are wounded + divided + dysfunctional.
We can’t be at peace while divisions remain and our brothers + sisters don’t feel welcome.
We need to make room to welcome.
Like the Magi we bring our gifts: the gold (the best of us) is easy; the myrrh represents our darker and more broken tendencies – this is harder; the frankincense is our spiritual and prayer side.
New Year – let us make our desire during this year to be people of mission, who live friendship with God deeply and invite others into this friendship.
