Star of Bethlehem

January 6, 2009 marks the feast of the three Magi who paid Jesus homage in Bethlehem. The Novus Ordo marks the feast on the closest Sunday of January 6. The church has decreed that this important feast in the Church should be celebrated on a Sunday in order to give the faithful the chance to celebrate it in Church. The occupations of the ordinary people will not allow them to be in Church hence the church has wisely decided to hold this on a Sunday. However, we who are attached to the Rites of 1962 by dispensation will celebrate this feast on January 6, 2009. [Photos below belong to Dr. Herbert]

The Nativity Scene at the Plaza fronting the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Archdiocese of Caceres, Naga City Camarines Sur, Philippines. Notice the Star of Bethlemen in the background and the peculiar cart in front of the manger which is characteristically Filipino.

The Biblical account of this event is recorde in Gospel of Matthew in Chapter 2. It was said that the magi or wisemen came from the east (some scholars put it from persia). The word Magus is actually the term use for the priestly class of Zorastrians in Persia. Zoroastrianism is the religion of ancient Persia (Nosw most of the territory of Iran is what was refered to in ancient times as Persia). And at that time Astrology was highly steemed as an art among orientals. It was said that these wisemen saw the star of Jesus and this gave them the idea that today the Child was born who is to be the King of the Jews and to destined to be a great King whose kingdom will have no end because God will give to Him the throne of His father David. It was providential that Christ was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. When Herod the Great came to know about the birth of the Messiah he instigted a persecution and the killing of innocent chidren in Bethlehem. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy about Rachel's mourning and that Rachel was inconsolable for this tragedy. We can also reflect on this theme that Herod represents Satan our enemy who keeps on looking for ways to destroy us. But it is always the providence of God to protect His people. This is why we need toseek the Faith that comes from God to make us believe in his providence for us.

The Adoration of the Magi, Nativity Scene at the Basilica Minore of Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia, Archdiocese of Caceres.

It was said that the Magi brought gifts of GOLD, MYRRH, and FRANKINCESNE. This three gifts are symbolic of the triple function of Christ. Gold - symbolizes the Kingship of Christ, that He is King, to rule and will inherit the throne of His father David, and His kingdom will have no end. Here lies the schathological nature of the History of Salvation. MYRRH - the role of Christ as the Oblation for the propitiation of the faithful. For He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. Then Frankincense - symbolizes the priestly function of Christ. Of which after offering the eternal sacrifice He entered into the Holy of Holies, now at the right side of God interceding for us. The ONLY MEDIATOR between God and the Human Race. May the star of Bethlehem guide us to life everlasting. Amen.