Tuesday January 4, 2022

The gift of the magi : gold

They [the magi] entered the house, saw the little child with Mary, his mother, bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts. Matthew 2.11

Here are very strange gifts for a young child, brought by these magi, learned astronomers from the East... After a long journey, the mysterious star led them to Bethlehem, at the feet of this baby Jesus in whom they recognized the king of the Jews. So they offer him these very valuable presents.

Precious and unalterable metal par excellence, gold represents beauty, wealth, light and glory. Therefore, it is traditionally a symbol of royalty. Matthew begins his gospel with a genealogy that presents Jesus as a descendant of King David. He quotes about him this prophecy of Micah announcing the coming of the Messiah, the messenger of God : And you, Bethlehem Ephrata, although you are small among the cities of Judah, from you he who will reign over Israel will come out for me ! (Micah 5.1) The gold therefore reveals the still hidden greatness of this newborn child.

The Jews were waiting for a warrior and liberating king, and they did not recognize in Jesus the humble and righteous king announced by the prophets. Asked by the governor Pilate : Art thou a king then ? Jesus answered him : Thou sayest thyself, I am a king ! (John 18.37) May we recognize in Jesus our King !

Bernard Grebille

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Proposed reading : Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1 to 12.

Source (Live Today)