In order to clarify the question of a potential usurper of the throne, which was very sensitive for him, Herod "assembled all the chief priests and teachers of the Law from the people." Such a gathering and its reason could not remain unrecorded. The alleged or actual birth of the messianic king could only bring problems and bad blood to the residents of Jerusalem. After all, the people of Jerusalem knew Herod. What may be, in a grand perspective, a star of hope, is initially in the perspective of daily life merely something disruptive, a cause for worry and concern. Indeed: God disturbs our contented everydayness. Jesus' kingdom and suffering belong together.
(Card. Joseph Ratzinger, Jesus of Nazareth)
