Matthew 2:7-12 (NRSV)
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Verse 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Verse 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."
Verse 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. Verse 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. Verse 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Verse 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Devotion
In past weeks we have frequently acknowledged how our five senses are engaged when God engages us. In a way, a “sixth sense” enters the picture when we learn that the wise men, warned in a dream, took evasive action from wily King Herod. In like manner, we would do well to cultivate an inner ear, a larger vision, a steady hand, discerning taste, and a nose for the things of God. That makes good sense for God’s sake.
Prayer
O God, address us and enfold us in the Story and the Sacraments. Let sense be dumb and flesh retire; speak through the earthquake, wind and fire, O still small voice of calm. Amen.