Isaiah 60:1-6; Ps 71(72); Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 ; Matthew 2:1–12)
Third Isaiah was writing just after the Israelites had returned from exile in Babylon. After God promises to punish those who fail to keep his covenant, he offers participation in the future messianic salvation to all who believe in the Lord and keep his commandments. Isaiah visualises the new Jerusalem, illuminated by God, to which all peoples will stream, and a time when their offerings will be acceptable.
The psalm prays that the king’s reign will be just, long, prosperous and glorious, with support for the poor.
Paul sees the Church, Christ’s body, as the new Jerusalem, part of God’s plan for the whole of creation. Paul joyfully tells the Ephesians that God’s plan was always to take the gospel message to all: Gentiles as well as Jews are to share equally in the inheritance promised by God.
In Luke’s Gospel an angel announced Jesus’ birth to poor Jewish shepherds, excluded from Temple worship by their occupation. Today Matthew describes Gentile scholars travelling from afar to bring kingly offerings to the new-born child. God’s plan is already becoming known beyond Israel. But the scholars needed the Jewish scriptures to help find Jesus. We too need the Old Testament to help us understand God’s plan and what he has done in Jesus for our salvation.
Psalm Response: All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.