Discussion on this Sunday's Readings

[NotWorthy]

Here’s some more info on Balak/Balaam and Herod/the Magi. The prophecy that Balaam uttered after Balak got furious with Balaam for his three blessings is as follows:

***I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: a star shall come forth out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab, and break down all the sons of Sheth. Edom shall be dispossessed… while Israel does valiantly *** (Numbers 24:17-18).

---

These*prophetic words told of a great leader who would come in the future. The image of a scepter, or royal staff, indicated that this person would be a king. The fact that the royal staff "shall rise out of Israel" told the people that this great king would be born in the land of the Jews. Furthermore, the prophecy foretold that this king’s coming would be accompanied by a star that would rise out of the land of Israel (“out of Jacob”). When this king arrived, he would defeat Israel’s enemies, including Edom*, who would be dispossessed.

All this prefigures the story of Herod, the Magi and the star in Matthew 2. Just as the wicked King Balak wanted to use a pagan from the East to destroy Israel, so the wicked King Herod tries to use the Magi from the East in his plot to kill Israel’s newborn Messiah. Similarly, Balaam prefigures the Magi. Just as Balaam did not cooperate with Balak’s plan to harm Israel but ended up blessing God’s people, so do the Magi refuse to cooperate with Herod and instead end up paying homage to Jesus and bringing him gifts fit for a king.

Furthermore, the star that the Magi follow in Matthew 2 recalls Balaam’s prophecy about a great star over Israel that would signal the coming of a new king of the Jews. One significant point from this prophecy is that it explicitly mentions that when this new king arrives, Israel’s enemies will be defeated and even "Edom** shall be dispossessed***." This is interesting because the current king over Israel, King Herod, is not a Jewish king. He is a pagan from Edom who was appointed to rule over the land for the Romans. Therefore, the echoes of Balaam’s prophecy in Matthew 2 make one thing clear to the ancient Jewish reader. The days of Herod the Edomite are numbered. “Edom*** shall be dispossesed***.” A new King is born in Bethlehem.

 

[NotWorthy]

We can see yet another example of Matthew’s alluding to the Old Testament when the Magi arrive at the house where Jesus is staying. They fall down, worship him and give him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (see Matthew 2:11). For an ancient Jew, this event from the very beginning of Christ’s life signals that this child in Bethlehem already is fulfilling his role as the great Davidic king who was expected to come and extend God’s kingdom to all the nations.
In this scene Jesus fulfills Psalm 72, which describes how the son of David will have dominion over all the earth and how kings of all nations shall bow down before him and serve him, bringing him gifts of gold (see Psalm 72:10-15). He also fulfills Isaiah 60: "Nations shall come to your light,*** and kings to the brightness of your rising… They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord**" (Isaiah 60:3, 6, emphasis added).
This background clues us in to the fact that as soon as Christ begins his life on earth, he already is drawing all nations together again, just as the prophets foretold. The Magi represent the first of many Gentiles scattered throughout the world who are gathered back into God’s covenant family through Christ’s saving mission.

 

[Fidelis]

Lot’s of great OT background to this reading! Imagine my dilemna last Sunday when I had to present this reading to catechumens at the Rite of Dismissal in 40 minutes! I couldn’t possibly do justice to it, but it’s great we can unpack it here.

I’d heard (and I hope I’m not repeating any earlier posts) that the whole book of Matthew is like a mini-Pentatauch. Matthew has a Prologue (Jesus infancy), then 5 books, then an epilogue (Jesus’ death).

It would be interesting to see a chart of comparison between the Pentatauch (the first five book of the Old Testament, commonly called the Books of Moses), and the five “books” of Matthew.

Right in line with this, many commentators have pointed out that a common thread throughout Matthew is the parallels between the life of Moses and that of Jesus, in effect making Jesus the “New Moses” – a very important point to Matthew’s readers, who were predominately Jewish. For example, just like Moses came out of Egypt in the book of Exodus, Jesus also came out of Egypt after the death of Herod (Matthew 2:15).

Would someone like to comment on these Moses/Jesus parallels further?

 

[MariaG]

Lot’s of great OT background to this reading!

…

Would someone like to comment on these Moses/Jesus parallels further?

I had never heard mentioned the Moses/Jesus parallels But I am still reading:thumbsup:

Good stuff.

 

[Fidelis]

The first OT reference is easy:

In Bethlehem*** of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet “And you, 0 Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.”*** (Matt 2:5-6). In this case he quotes a part of Micah 5:1-4.

This quotation is not as subtle (to us) as it looks. In fact, the Jews who read it in Matthew’s time would have noticed it right away.

Here is the rendering as it is given in Micah:

1
But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.
2
(Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, And the rest of his brethren shall return to the children of Israel.)
3
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; And they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth;

While in Matthew:

5
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:
6
‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

What might be the significance of this change?

 

[NotWorthy]

1. Amran father of Moses, according to tradition, knew in a dream of the birth of Moses, future liberator of Israel. Joseph similarly.
2. Pharaoh by astrologers knew of the birth of a child who would liberate Israel. Herod knew through the Magi.
3. The Egyptians feared - so did Herod.
4. Pharaoh consulted his wise men. So did Herod.
5. Pharaoh ordered the murder of Hebrew boys. So did Herod.
6. Moses and Jesus both escaped.
7. Moses liberated Hebrews; Jesus all men.
8. Joseph was told he could leave Egypt “for those who sought the child’s life are dead”. Moses was told he could return to Egypt “for all the men who sought your life are dead” (Exodus 4:19).

 

[Fidelis]

1. Amran father of Moses, according to tradition, knew in a dream of the birth of Moses, future liberator of Israel. Joseph similarly.
2. Pharaoh by astrologers knew of the birth of a child who would liberate Israel. Herod knew through the Magi.
3. The Egyptians feared - so did Herod.
4. Pharaoh consulted his wise men. So did Herod.
5. Pharaoh ordered the murder of Hebrew boys. So did Herod.
6. Moses and Jesus both escaped.
7. Moses liberated Hebrews; Jesus all men.
8. Joseph was told he could leave Egypt “for those who sought the child’s life are dead”. Moses was told he could return to Egypt “for all the men who sought your life are dead” (Exodus 4:19).

Great stuff! Everybody else feel free to add on!

 

[NotWorthy]

Let’s see, these types come from their adult lives:

• They both led Israel to the promised land. Moses to Israel, and Jesus to Heaven.
• Moses brought bread down from heaven to feed Israel. Jesus, the bread come from heaven, feeds us and gives us eternal life.
• Moses struck the rock in the desert to bring forth water. Jesus, the rock, is struck on the cross, and the Holy Spirit is brought forth like water from the heart of the Temple (Jesus).
• They both performed signs and miracles to convert peoples’ hearts.
• They both freed Israel from slavery – Moses freed them from Egypt, and Jesus freed them from sin.
• They both brought down their Covenant law from a mountain – Moses with the 10 commandments at Sinai, Jesus with the Beatitudes at the Sermon on the Mount.
• Moses brought his three closest companions up to a mountaintop, where he beheld the glory of God, and his face shone with a bright light. Jesus brought his three closest companions up to a mountain, where he revealed his glory, and he shined brighter than the sun.
• Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

I understand that some bible experts have drawn a link to the 10 curses on Egypt that Moses brought forth and the miracles of Jesus, but I’ve never seen all of them. For example, Moses first miracle was the water of the Nile turning into blood. Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine, and then his last miracle was turning wine into his precious blood. Maybe someone else can connect these dots?

 

[Fidelis]

All great stuff.

While we’re still considering the Old Testament connections, why don’t we look at question number four from the study. This seems like it should pretty straightforward (though God is the God of surprises, and the Holy Spirit leads where He will!):

· Note the responses of the Magi upon finding Jesus. How are they similar to the response that Christians make to Jesus, including before the Blessed Sacrament?
usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew2.htm

 

[Pug]

For example, Moses first miracle was the water of the Nile turning into blood. Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine, and then his last miracle was turning wine into his precious blood. Maybe someone else can connect these dots?

I can’t, but I’d like to add that actual water in stone jugs turned into blood for Moses (as well as the whole nile, of course), just like it was stone jugs for the Cana miracle.

I’ll be useful and find the OT reference…exodus 7:19 (wooden pails and stone jars)

Also, I think the incident of Jesus walking on water may be connected with the crossing of the Red Sea. Note how Jesus walks on water right by the manna information in John (right after he feeds everyone). The Red Sea in the OT is shortly before manna.

 

[NotWorthy]

All great stuff.

While we’re still considering the Old Testament connections, why don’t we look at question number four from the study. This seems like it should pretty straightforward (though God is the God of surprises, and the Holy Spirit leads where He will!):

***They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. ***

Let’s see, they were over-joyed… They prostrated themselves and did Him homage…

Nope, I see no connection with this and how Christians react in front of the Eucharist.

Seriously, this is exactly how I feel when preparing for the Eucharist at Mass - A combination of utter joy and total unworthiness (hence, I’m not worthy!) to be in the presence of my Lord and my God.

Good question, Fidelis!!!

 

[Fidelis]

·** Note the responses of the Magi upon finding Jesus. How are they similar to the response that Christians make to Jesus, including before the Blessed Sacrament?**
usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew2.htm

One readily apparent similarity is that the Magi prostrated themselves before the infant Jesus, while we also show reverence to Our Lord on a number of ways:

• Slightly bowing our head at the name of Jesus
• Making a profound bow at the mention of the Incarnation when we recite the Creed at Mass
• Genuflecting on one knee toward the altar (the place of Jesus’ sacrifice) before we enter the pew at church
• Genuflecting on both knees in the presence of the exposed Blessed Sacrament, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord

There are probably more. What other kind of responses did the Magi display (not necessarily physical)?

 

[Fidelis]

***They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. ***

Let’s see, they were over-joyed… They prostrated themselves and did Him homage…

Nope, I see no connection with this and how Christians react in front of the Eucharist.

Exactly! One interesting thing to look at how this passage is rendered in other translations. The NAB use of “overjoyed” in verse 10 is rather mild compared to:

**Douay-Rheims **
And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

New American Standard Bible
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

**New Revised Standard Version **
When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

Good News
When they saw it, how happy they were, what joy was theirs! It went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

If we don’t feel this way when we are in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord, then we need to have our hearts checked!

 

[Holland]

***Nope, I see no connection with this and how Christians react in front of the Eucharist.

I just about freaked out when I read that line till I saw the winking smiley face.

While I don’t consider myself knowledgeable enough to comment on much that you guys are tossing back and forth, I am reading it.

Keep it up!***

 

[NotWorthy]

***Nope, I see no connection with this and how Christians react in front of the Eucharist.

I just about freaked out when I read that line till I saw the winking smiley face.

While I don’t consider myself knowledgeable enough to comment on much that you guys are tossing back and forth, I am reading it.

Keep it up!***

Always remember. Take everything I say with a grain of salt, and you’ll be much better off. Even though, I gotta admit, my sense of humor is often not worthy, either!!!

 

[Pug]

Exactly! One interesting thing to look at how this passage is rendered in other translations. The NAB use of “overjoyed” in verse 10 is rather mild compared to:If we don’t feel this way when we are in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord, then we need to have our hearts checked!

I looked in the Greek, and it has more words there, so that is what is being reflected in the other translations. It has a superlative sense to it.

Are there any other moments in the gospels of such great joy? I wonder if it is like a journey’s end, and that is part of it, like getting to heaven as the end of our journey to the Father’s house. I know that in the moment of sitting before Jesus in Adoration is the most restful thing I have ever felt (I conceive of heaven as rest).

 

[Fidelis]

Are there any other moments in the gospels of such great joy? I wonder if it is like a journey’s end, and that is part of it, like getting to heaven as the end of our journey to the Father’s house. I know that in the moment of sitting before Jesus in Adoration is the most restful thing I have ever felt (I conceive of heaven as rest).

Interestingly, even thought the Gospels mention joy several times, there are only two places that I can find that mention great joy – at the Resurrection and at the Ascencion of Jesus:

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. (Matthew 28:5-8)

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them. And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:50-53)

 

[Fidelis]

As we start winding this study down, and prepare to start on the Gospel reading for *next *Sunday (which I will do later this evening on a brand new thread), here is the last question for all of us to consider and reflect on:

What is the “gold, frankincense, and myrrh” in your life? How have you offered this to Jesus?

According to the Ignatius Study Bible on Matthew, Pope St. Leo the Great identified these gifts symbolically with the following:

**Gold **-- the obedience and good works we give to God

Frankincense – the worship and prayer we offer to God

**Myrrh **-- the sacrifices we make and the crosses we carry for love of God

 

[MariaG]

**Gold **-- the obedience and good works we give to God

Frankincense – the worship and prayer we offer to God

**Myrrh **-- the sacrifices we make and the crosses we carry for love of God

I like that. I especially like the symbolic nature of frankincense. Seeing my worship and prayers going up to God as does the incense wafts up to God.

Thanks.

 

[kellie]

According to the Ignatius Study Bible on Matthew, Pope St. Leo the Great identified these gifts symbolically with the following:

**Gold **-- the obedience and good works we give to God

Frankincense – the worship and prayer we offer to God

**Myrrh **-- the sacrifices we make and the crosses we carry for love of God

I have never thought of it like that, thank you Fidelis for opening my eyes.

I think my gold that I offer is teaching my son about Jesus, having him baptised, and therefore making another disciple of Jesus.

My frankincense I offer is the times I spend praying to God, and also the times I share in religious activities with my son at his school.

The myrrh as is mentioned is the sacrifices I make for myself, and my son, so we may follow Jesus. This can be in the form of time, such as allowing an hour each Sunday for Mass, or can be in money, as in sacrificing something we both want, so as to be able to buy him a new outfit for his First Holy Communion.

I have never studied Scripture like this, sp please bear with me if I do it wrong.
Thanks