Epiphany: "Christianity is Judaism for non-Jews" (6 January 2025; Matthew 2:1-12)

A reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 written and spoken by Kieran J. O'Mahony OSA.

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Gentle piano music to close the meditation

Transcript

John’s Lane
D08 F8NW

6 January 2025
Feast of the Epiphany
Judaism is Christianity for non-Jews

Welcome
Across the world, may people are upset by the actions of the Israeli government. This is certainly legitimate but we, heirs to centuries of virulent anti-Semitism, have to be careful. Being against the Israeli government, can easily slide in the direction of being against the state of Israel as such and then into anti-Semitism. While it may be hard to hear, now is a time to remember that our Christian roots are firmly in Judaism.

Topic
Today’s story of the Magi is a great help.  

Steps
In Matthew chapter 1-2 — the birth stories — the gospel writer grounds the proclamation in its Jewish roots and at the sae time he proclaims universal Good News for every human being without distinction. Matthew’s earlier community in Antioch was a break-away group, claiming nevertheless full continuity with God’s revelation to the people of Israel. Their challenge is to sustain the rootedness and at the same time be open to the whole world. Accordingly, we read at the end of his Gospel: 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit  (Matthew 28:19)

The story of the Magi is a very good example of both tendencies in Matthew’s Gospel. 

When the Gospel of Matthew was written, two things had already occurred. Firstly, the break with Judaism had taken place, probably ten or fifteen years previously, following the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. And secondly, Gentiles were already members of the community, even though here were obviously tension about how to integrate these late-comers to grace. That’s the context for understanding the power and purpose of the story of the Magi. 

As people have always understood, the Magi stand for the human quest for meaning and purpose, ultimately, the quest for God. The hungers of the heart are universal, as St Augustine acknowledged. All of us, without distinction, are in the story of the Magi. 

At the same time, the Magi are portrayed coming to Jerusalem, seeking guidance from the Jewish Scriptures. 

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:6, quoting from the prophet Micah)

This is Matthew’s way of affirming: yes, the mission is indeed universal, but the roots of Christianity are firmly embedded in Judaism. It is all part of Matthew commitment to the two sides of the Gospel: its rootedness in Judaism and it universality, openness to all human beings. 

Conclusion
An entertaining way of expressing this is attributed to a chief Rabbi of Odessa, who reputedly said: Christianity is Judaism for non-Jews. It is not as odd as it might sound. 

By means of the Magi, Matthew manages to hold both aspects in creative tension. A challenge for us again on our day.