ACC ~ Matthew 2 v9

AN ORDINARY HOUSE, NOT AN ORDINARY STAR

CHRYSOSTOM: “And lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.” The star brought them to inquire of the Jews, that their discovery might be made evident to all, and then appeared to them again. Note how fitting was the order of events: the wise men saw the star, were received by the Jews and their king; they heard prophecy to explain what had appeared; the angel instructed them; and then they journeyed from Jerusalem to Bethlehem by the guidance of the star. From all this we learn that this was not an ordinary star, for no other star has this capacity to guide, not merely to move but to beckon, to “go before them,” drawing and guiding them along their way.

The star remained after bringing them to the place, in order that the child might also be seen. For there is nothing conspicuous about the place. The inn was ordinary. The mother was not celebrated or notable. The star was needed to manifest and illumine the lowly place, until they had reached their destination at the manger. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 7.3. [1]

[1] PG 57:76; NPNF 1 10:46**. Did a single evidence enable their recognition? The divine economy worked in nature and through prophecy and angelic visitation to gradually bring this incomparable nativity to recognition.

THE ELEMENTS PAY TRIBUTE

ANONYMOUS: Considering the homage paid by the star, they became aware of the dignity of the king and said among themselves, “How can this be—an earthly king to whom a star pays tribute?” What wonder, then, that with the sun of justice about to arise, the heavenly star paid tribute to him! It went before them, that it might show how all the elements pay tribute to those who seek God. Therefore, if you think it a great thing that the star paid homage to Christ, see how much greater are those things which pay tribute to you who have been made human. Look at the sun that hastens to rise for you and the moon that does not cease to shine. If the elements pay tribute to you who have been made, what wonder if the star paid tribute to Christ? If the elements pay tribute to you who are a sinner, what wonder if the star hastened before those who were seeking Christ? And if angels pay tribute to people, whom God created not out of respect for humans but for himself, what great thing is it if the elements that were created for humans should pay tribute to humans? Hearing this, it behooves us both to rejoice and to be fearful, for the greater the benefits given to humanity, all the greater will be the judgments prepared for sinners. And the star stood above the child’s head, saying simply: Here he is. Though unable to point him out by speaking, it pointed him out by remaining in one place. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 2. [1]

[1] PG 56:641.

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