Deception

Day's Saints
Raymond of Penyafort, Dominican
Blessed Leandro, Mercedarian

Is 60:1-6
Gospel
Mt 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod, 
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled, 
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, 
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, 
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly 
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word, 
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, 
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures 
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, 
they departed for their country by another way.

Temptations of all kinds raise their ugly heads to lead unsuspecting people away from God. If you are not vigilant, you will be led astray into sin. Thus, the reminder of penance and atonement and sacrifice is necessary, to keep yourself focused on God.

He is our creator, and created the universe as well. He cannot be fooled or tricked and will not be subject to ridicule. Disrespect generally leads to death, and respect to long life.

Beware of those who come in His Name but will not even speak it for fear of disparagements. Neither will they be just towards the people, or beneficial to the welfare of nations whom they are intent upon plundering. Their lack of consideration of human necessities leads to the discarding of lives, and the Lord has a punishment for them.

Pray for one another and be ready to help in trials and sufferings with your compassion. You are worth a great price, which He gladly paid for you.