Reflection about Is 60, 1-6; Ef
3, 2-3a. 5-6; Mt 2, 1-12
Little by little and gradually,
the liturgy has helped us to understand the meaning of the birth of Jesus and
the intention of God about the reality of human being. Although Jesus was born
in Bethlehem, that is Jewish town, he was not born for Jews only but for all
peoples. The explanation about his birth in the gospels of Matthew and Luke
shows that since the beginning of his human life, Jesus was rejected by his
people; however, he was respected and searched for Non-Jews. This reality is
very clear also in the beginning of the gospel of John (1, 11-12) although this
gospel does not show details about the childhood of Jesus like the other two
ones. According to John, Jesus “Came to his own, and his own didn’t receive
him. However, to all who received him, he gave the power of becoming sons of
God.” Then, Jesus came to all human beings and enlighten all with his light.
His birth assure that all are sons of God and it is will of God to save
all.
The first reading is a
canticle made after exile of Babylon and proclaims wonders of the Lord for the
sake of his people. Because of this, the prophet Isaias get to see in advance
the city of Jerusalem transformed in centre of pilgrimage for many people.
Truly the glory of the Lord shined upon this town, however the meaning of this
place is more of faith/theological than geographic. In this town, Jesus
concluded his mission and assured the salvation of God to all. The idea of
salvation there was already in the Old Testament, but was not very clear. The
interpretation of that was done in ethnical and cultural way, conditioned the
salvation of God to the limits of Jewish religion and culture. This reality
prevented the Jews to welcome other peoples and recognise them as “neighbours”
or “brothers”. Jesus was born as light so that all human beings may become one
only family. In his latter Saint Paul confirms that Jesus is indeed the
revelation of the mystery that was hidden for long time. According to this
revelation, the Non-Jews are also heirs together with Jews of the same promises
of God. The presence of Jesus fulfil in perfect way everything that was spoken
to the ancient prophets. In other words, God chose one people as instrument in
order to reach others more easily.
Truly, the news about the
birth of Jesus is good; however, the reception of this news was not same from
all. For the side of the Guests from East, this news brought true reason to
their lives; for that, they seek for the new king with great passion without
fear of leaving their lands and securities. For the side of the Jewish
authorities this news caused worry and agitation because they feared to lose
their positions and privileges. The coming of the Magi fulfils one of the
prophecies of the prophet Isaias, which says, “The nations shall come to your
light, and kings to the brightness of your rising”. They brought to Jesus gifts
of great values for their cultures, that is, gold, frankincense and myrrh.” In
these gifts, they expressed the identity of their peoples, their richness,
their abilities, their efforts and dreams. The Magi leaved their lands and
allowed being guided by the star in order to reach the right direction for
their lives. This star means the light of God, which enlighten the people so
that they may seek him with passion. This light is also his own Son who does
not allow to walk in darkness the one who follows him (John 8,12).
Today, God invites us to be
attentive to the star, which he sends to us to guide us. Did you discover the star,
which makes you to find the true meaning to your life? In all gospels, we can
find many signs of this star. Let us take as example the fishermen who fished
many fish; for them the fish ware star of Jesus. For the agricultures, the
seeds were star of Jesus. For the bride and bridegroom of the weeding in Cana
wine was the star of Jesus because the miracle of the water transformed in wine
announced Jesus. For the woman who was taking water in the noon hour, the water
was the star of Jesus. For Peter who denied him, Jesus prepared a fire where he
put some fish; the fire was the star for Peter returning to Jesus. For the
disciples of Emmaus who were disappointed with their Master, the bread was the
star of Jesus. They recognised him in the breaking of bread.
As well as it happened with the Magi, our life is journey of faith to
meet God, allowing him to change our ways. We are invited to leave some
mentalities and false securities and start the journey to meet him guided by
his inspiration. We are invited to offer to him the best of our lives because
he deserves. The gifts we can offer to him we have received from his own
generosity. The Jesus who we recognise as the biggest gift we received from our
God wants to be our light always in order we can be light also for the sake of
the salvation of all humankind.
Fr
Ndega
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário