- 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.
Epiphany Sunday (Year ABC). Matthew 2:1-12.
First Mass at St John the Evangelist Parish, Campbelltown.
