Gospel of matthew presents different perspective
The Gospel of Matthew offers a darker version of Jesus' birth, including the slaughter of the innocents.
We are reading from the Gospel of Matthew throughout 2026. I want to give some general notes to help you read from that Gospel over the coming year.
Matthew and Luke are the only two Gospels that include an Infancy Narrative. Whereas the Infancy Narrative in Luke is told through the eyes of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Matthew tells those stories through the eyes of St. Joseph. Matthew begins the story with Joseph having learned that Mary is pregnant and planning to divorce her. The angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells hm not to be afraid to take Mary into his home as his wife, for the child is by the Holy Spirit. Joseph does so.
In Matthew’s narrative, we learn of the story of the Magi and the slaughter of the innocents, and of the flight into Egypt. We see the Holy Family return to Nazareth but still concerned about Herod’s son.
It is a much darker presentation of the Infancy Narratives, hinting at the persecution this child will face and His death upon the Cross.
Matthew and Luke are the only two Gospels that include an Infancy Narrative. Whereas the Infancy Narrative in Luke is told through the eyes of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Matthew tells those stories through the eyes of St. Joseph. Matthew begins the story with Joseph having learned that Mary is pregnant and planning to divorce her. The angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells hm not to be afraid to take Mary into his home as his wife, for the child is by the Holy Spirit. Joseph does so.
In Matthew’s narrative, we learn of the story of the Magi and the slaughter of the innocents, and of the flight into Egypt. We see the Holy Family return to Nazareth but still concerned about Herod’s son.
It is a much darker presentation of the Infancy Narratives, hinting at the persecution this child will face and His death upon the Cross.