New Exodus, a New People - Fr. Gregory - December 26, 2021

Today, on the Sunday after the Nativity, the Gospel comes to us from Matthew 2:13-23. The second chapter of Matthew corresponds to the Old Testament book of Exodus. This pericope begins with the wise men departing after worshipping the Christ child. The wise men traveled from the East in faith, like Abraham and Joseph the betrothed. Father Gregory shares with us that faith has to have a follow-through. The wise men, attuned to the signs of the times, by faith followed a star to worship Jesus. They were compelled by a conviction and led by faith showing us the beginning of a new movement, where God calls a new people to Himself. Orthodox Christians should take the example of the Magi by following the signs, hearing God, and responding in faith with substance.