ACC ~ Matthew 2 v7

THE INTENT TO DESTROY

GREGORY THE GREAT: When Herod learned of the birth of our King, he resorted to crafty means to prevent his earthly kingdom from being endangered. He demanded that it be reported to him where the child was to be found. Pretending that he wished to worship him, he would have destroyed him if only he could find him. But of what avail is human malice against the divine plan? “There is no wisdom, no prudence, no plan against the Lord.” [1] The star appeared to guide the magi. They found the newborn king and offered him their gifts. They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. And so Herod was unable to find Jesus, whom he was seeking. Herod symbolizes all those today who, falsely seeking after the Lord, never manage to find him. FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 10.2. [2]

[1] Prov 21:30.

[2] PL 76:1111; CS 123:56* (Homily 8). How was the infant protected against invasive tyrannical power? The divine economy provided for the protection of the child.

WHAT TROUBLED HEROD

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: It wasn’t the words of the magi that troubled Herod. It was the speculations of the legal experts about the words of the believing prophets. For the magi were seeking a king, but the Jews were declaring that Christ had been born. For this reason, turning aside the magi, Herod calls the Jews and asks them where the Christ should be born, he “whom you, having heard the magi, are now announcing.” This is how the enemies of the truth may sometimes unwillingly speak the truth. They interpret the whole prophecy uselessly, failing to grasp what is necessary. FRAGMENT 10.3. [1]

[1] MKGK 156.