The wealthy and powerful ones;
rulers, kings and major shareholders
do a lively trade in information.
They invest some of their ample resources
in finding out stuff, analysing trends and
opinion,
and gathering whatever facts can be
assembled
from their multiple sources
in order to gain advantage over everyone
else.
Knowledge, they say, is power;
who would argue?
In his terrible nativity story, Matthew
presents us with the despotic Herod,
who, sensing a threat to his kingly power
in the unlikely birth of a child,
demands, of his royal advisors,
insight and opinion. It is his hope
that when the appropriate dots
have been successfully joined,
they will indicate a profitable course of
action.
And
just when,
he confidingly enquires of the wise strangers,
feigning concern for the success
of their crazy adventure;
did
the star first appear?
Having sent the gift-laden travellers to Bethlehem,
in accordance with some long-forgotten
oracle,
he awaits their return,
along with the specific details,
(parents, street name and number),
that they will supply.
He must have waited some time;
the successful pilgrims, as the story goes,
were recipients of further information,
and went home by another way.
The ever-pragmatic Herod was unconcerned;
it was a minor inconvenience.
Their answer to his earlier question
had been duly noted by his scribes;
it would be sufficient for his
mathematicians
to make the necessary determinations
that would allow his troops to do their
job.
The baby’s parents also received advice
that enabled them to choose a path to
safety.
Not so blessed were other young children
in Bethlehem.
Knowledge, they say, is power;
for some.
©Ken Rookes 2012
