This story about the mysterious wise men fires up our imagination so that we often get lost asking unimportant questions about details rather than trying to understand the deeper meaning. Remember that these Gospel stories about Jesus’ early life were recorded in the light of the experience of his death and resurrection, and took their final shape in the life of the early Church. Looking backwards, this story anticipates Jesus’ rejection by the Jewish leaders contrasted with his manifestation to and acceptance by pagan peoples.

The prophecy quoted in v 6 (adapted from Micah 5:1 and 2 Sam 5:2) points to Jesus as fulfilling the messianic hope symbolized by King David. More significantly, the entire story echoes the coming of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon (1 Kg 10:1-13), and shows Jesus as the "new Solomon" whose wisdom draws even the wisest of the world to humble submission.

Jerusalem is situated on a hill above a deep valley (the Kidron Valley) to the east. Imagine the poet-prophet sitting on the Mount of Olives across the valley, watching the city glow radiant in the light of dawn. This passage was written during the restoration of the ruined city after the captivity in Babylon, and the prophet dreams that the former glory (vv 1-4) and prosperity (vv 5-7) — such as king Solomon had achieved — would again belong to the Jewish people. This dream was never fulfilled literally, but was more than fulfilled in reality by the coming of Christ.

This psalm looks backward to the reign of king Solomon, characterized by the greatest peace, prosperity, power, and justice Israel had ever known, and forward in hope to another king who would be like Solomon. Response: "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."

The mission of the Church, to call all humankind into union with God, is called a "mystery" by Paul. Its truth is not immediately evident because different cultures and mentalities seek their own privilege and importance to the exclusion of others. God wills that these barriers be broken down, and all men and women without exception come to know his love. The Church’s mission is not so much to guard the faith as to open up its treasures to all.

1. Contrast the wise with the powerful. How do the things they hold important influence (or control) their behavior? How do the things you hold important influence (or control) your behavior?

2. Do you feel that your faith is a gift or an obligation? Do you feel it is your business alone, or something to be shared?