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POST-CHRISTMAS EVENTS -- Three distinct scenes emerge from this
Sunday’s gospel lesson: the flight to Egypt (vv. 13-15), the pogrom of Herod (vv.
16-18), and the return from Egypt to Nazareth (vv. 19-23). The scenes are woven together
through fulfillment citations drawn from Hosea 11, Jeremiah 31, and Isaiah 40,
respectively.
MATTHEW AND HERMENUTICS -- Among these Palestinian-Jewish Christians, Christ’s
coming constituted the fulfillment of Scripture--even to the smallest detail. For example,
Matthew makes a connection between the holy family’s return to Israel from Egypt with
an obscure passage from Hosea that has the prophet announcing, When Israel was a child,
I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. Okay, so Matthew didn’t take
hermeneutics at our seminary, but then Matthew would not deny the historical value and
reality of Hosea’s words. The writer of this gospel apparently subscribed to the
law of "second reference," in which a biblical passage could look backward and
also point forward.
THE NEW EXODUS -- just as the first exodus episode moved people to a new place and
genesis, so with the advent of Jesus interpreted Hosea 11 to mean a messianic genesis.
While the post-exodus of Israel, according to Hosea, was inconclusive--the more I
called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and burning
incense to idols (Hos. 11:2)--Jesus through his obedience became worthy to be called
by God, "my Son." [1]
connections
Joseph takes the young Jesus to Egypt and stays there to fulfill
what God has said through the prophets. Later john the Baptist prepares the way for the
Messiah by preaching repentance. Each one makes life choices that God uses to fulfill the
covenant of salvation. Take a short trip out of town; spend the night alone and reflect on
how your life can be part of God’s purpose. (Alternative: take a leisurely walk some
morning or afternoon.) Ask yourself: How can I cooperate with God’s designs for my
life? Do I have any unique qualities that might reflect a certain purpose? What promise
might I help fulfill?
gambits
Notice the role of dreams as a way to guide Joseph in this passage; actually, Matthew
uses dreams six times in the telling of his story while the other gospel writers never
once refer to dreams.
Notice how the holy family, a family that begins with such promise in Luke’s
gospel with thunderous portents in heaven and earth—is reduced to the status of
refugees in Matthew’s gospel.
This would be a good text to explore in parallel fashion along with the reading of the
holy family, the status and experiences of post-modern day refugees.
Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourners Magazine:
We are now faced with a stark strategic and moral choice this winter: to bomb
Afghanistan during Ramadan while a third of its people starve, or to assist a massive
humanitarian effort while still pursuing terrorists. Despite efforts to avoid civilian
casualties and Pentagon regret for off-target bombs, the suffering of the innocent is
increasing—both through "collateral damage" and massive refugee
dislocation. Of great concern to many in the religious community is the potential human
catastrophe emerging. Astonishing numbers of people are in great peril, and international
relief agencies warn of terrible consequences unless a massive distribution of food takes
place immediately. Five hundred thousand people could die quickly if aid doesn’t
arrive very soon; 3 million more are close to starvation; and 7.5 million altogether
(almost the population of New York City) will need food to survive the winter. [2]
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[1] Douglas R.A. Hare, Interpretation Series: Matthew (Atlanta: John Knox Press,
1993), page 16.
[2] Philadelphia Inquirer, 11/15/01
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