Herod's Reaction and Jewish Leaders' Answer

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Matthew 2: 1-12 - 'The visit of the Magi.'  

Note: This podcast follows the lectionary for the General Roman Calendar, which celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany on January 6. Some countries may have a different gospel reading at Mass today, if they celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany on Sunday rather than January 6.

Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraphs:

- 528 (in 'The Mysteries of Jesus' Infancy') - The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning toward the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that “the full number of the nations” now takes its “place in the family of the patriarchs,” and acquires Israelitica dignitas (“the dignity of Israel’s birthright”).

- 439 (in 'Christ') - Many Jews and even certain Gentiles who shared their hope recognized in Jesus the fundamental attributes of the messianic “Son of David,” promised by God to Israel (abbreviated)

- 724 (in 'Rejoice, you who are full of grace') - In Mary, the Holy Spirit manifests the Son of the Father, now become the Son of the Virgin. She is the burning bush of the definitive theophany. Filled with the Holy Spirit she makes the Word visible in the humility of his flesh. It is to the poor and the first representatives of the gentiles that she makes him known.

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