They Were Not Deceived because They Were Not Afraid

(Fr. Andrew’s Homily for Epiphany, 2024)

The Magi acknowledged the authority of Herod. This is why they went to him and ask about the Messiah. But the Magi did not follow Herod’s request against the will of God. This is why they “departed for their country by another way” (Matthew 2:12).

Herod tried to deceive the Magi regarding his intentions. “When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage” (Matthew 2:8). The text continues, “After their audience with the king they set out” (2:9) It doesn’t say that the Magi accepted Herod’s request to come back and to let him know where the child was. The Magi were probably suspicious of Herod’s intentions. In any case, an angel warned them not to go back to Herod (cf. 2:12).

The Magi were wise, and they knew one thing: the fact that someone has legitimate authority does not mean that their authority will always be used in the right way. Authority can be misused even in the Church. Someone may use their teaching voice, which should be an instrument of the Holy Spirit, to teach human or perverted doctrines. It happens in schools, it happens in universities, it can happen in the Church. How do we preserve ourselves from deception and bad teaching?

The Magi today show us what it takes to not be deceived. First, they came from afar to serve God, not to please human beings. Second, they were ready to suffer rather than offending God. In a word, they prefer God to any human being, including themselves. This is why God did not allow them to be deceived, but sent an angel to warn them. Let us reflect upon these things.

1- The Magi came from afar to serve God, not to please human beings. “We saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). For them, God was first and all other things were secondary. They would have given up anything, provided they could see the newborn king. They wanted to see Him, because they had come to know about Him and were so excited. They left the comfort of their hometown, they set out on a long, dangerous journey, they gave up of their gold and prepared their best gifts and they were probably mocked by many: “Why are they risking so much for... what?” People around them did not understand but for the Magi everything was clear: a star was guiding the way before their very eyes and another light was shining in their hearts. For the Magi, nothing could be compared with contemplating the newborn King. He was worth every effort.

Why is this attitude of the Magi important? The best way to deceive people is to connect your lie with something people value so much and are afraid of losing. The Magi could not be deceived because they were afraid of nothing. Herod intimidated the Magi with his authority: perhaps the Magi would be afraid of not responding to Herod’s request. Moreover, Herod asked them to come back employing a religious excuse: “I also want to worship him.” It was a very good strategy: it made Herod look like a very religious and loving king, but the Magi were not stupid. They were not afraid of using their own judgment: maybe Herod had a good intention, or maybe he was afraid of losing power with this new King of the Jews. Herod was, perhaps, employing a religious excuse to preserve his own position...

If we care only about God and what God wants, we will never be deceived. If need be, God will send us an angel to tell us the truth, as he sent an angel to the Magi. When instead we are afraid of losing people’s approval, or a position, or the possibility of having more fun, etc., it is easier for us to be deceived. The shepherds of the Church may sometimes teach the wrong thing because they are afraid of losing people’s approval. We must not be afraid of using our own judgment: the shepherds have legitimate authority but they are human. We must love God above all things and above all people, and love people as Jesus loved them: this attitude will open the eyes of our minds to see reality as it is, and to see our neighbor with objectivity and compassion.

2- The Magi were ready to suffer rather than offending God. They realize that not coming back to Herod was dangerous for them. Herod ordered to kill all infants two years old and under in Bethlehem and its surrounding area: what do you think he would have done to the Magi, if he had caught them on their way home? Perhaps they were already far away when Herod realized he had been tricked; perhaps God sent angels to protect the Magi; but, in any case, the Magi took the risk. They were not going to betray the Lord whom they had just worshipped. Are we also ready to suffer for God?

I myself feel very weak sometimes. This is why I thought that, in this homily, I would invite everyone to examine ourselves and see how strong we are in our faith and in our love. Times are getting more difficult for the followers of Christ. I am not saying that they are going to shoot us but, are we ready to lose people’s approval, for example?

How do we get stronger? We get stronger by means of prayer, the sacraments, especially good Holy Communions and penance. But you know what penance makes you stronger? It is not giving up chocolate but giving up sin. Giving up sin is difficult and, like a gym for the spirit, makes God’s love stronger in your heart. Pick the sin with which you struggle the most and try to quit. The stronger you get, the less you will be afraid. Those who are not afraid will never be deceived.

Today is the feast of the Epiphany: eat chocolate, no problem. But let us not sin. This is our gift to the newborn King.