LESSONS FROM THE VISIT OF THE MAGI

READINGS: THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Today, we celebrate the visit of the Magi who travelled from the far east to Bethlehem, to see the newborn King. Their story is not just history but a mirror for our own lives.

Think of it: they left behind their homes, their comforts, their treasures, and set out on a long, uncertain road. Why? Because they believed in the promise of God that “A virgin shall bear a son, and he shall be called Emmanuel”. This was the expectation that drove them out on this journey. Life, generally, is like that. There needs to be an Expectation, a goal, and an aspiration that drives our energy, if we want to be successful in life.

But expectation alone is not enough. Ability to keep our eyes open and notice opportunities that can drive and direct our goals is also important. While everyone else saw stars in the heavens, the Magi saw the Star of David. There is a story about two entrepreneurs who came upon a heap of scrapped iron: one saw garbage while the other saw materials for spare parts. What we see can determine the outcome of things.

But seeing opportunities is not enough. Action is vital. When the Magi saw the Star of David, they immediately swung into action; they headed out to Bethlehem. No matter what our ideas are and how many opportunities we encounter, without action, those ideas will never grow bigger than the brain cells they occupy in our minds.

But swinging into action in pursuit of our goals is not enough. Sometimes the road is rough and many a time unpredictable. Flexibility is important. When the Magi lost sight of the Star, they did not give up their quest. Rather, they took a detour and went to the palace of the king and inquired about their way forward. Openness to seek alternatives is key if we must get through the maze of life’s unpredictability. While we must stay committed to our goals, we must always be flexible in our approach.

St. Augustine once said, “To seek God is the greatest adventure and to find Him the greatest human achievement”. When the Maji found the Child, they fell in adoration. Scripture says, “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker” (Psalm 95:6). How lucky we are that we don’t have to travel days and weeks to behold Jesus’ face to face. Christ has made it easy for us through the gift of the Holy Eucharist, where He is 100% as real to us as He was to the Magi. Notice, also, that adoration and gratitude go together. They opened their treasure and gave Him their best—gold frankincense, and myrrh. True worship always involves sacrifice. What gift are we offering Christ today? Our time? Our talents? Our hearts?

Remember Herod? He spoke of worship, but his heart was full of deceit. His intention was to kill. My friends, all that glitters is not gold. Not every voice that claims to guide us is trustworthy. We must discern the truth through prayer and obedience to God’s word.

Finally, after meeting Jesus, the Magi went home through another way. Encounters with Christ always change our direction of life. As we enter this New Year, could we let it be God’s business to lead, command, impel, and to determine how we live and make it our business to agree, obey, follow, respond, and to do as commanded. Amen!