Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Give me your light to search for the Christ Child.
Imagination:
Picture the three Magi worshipping Jesus in Bethlehem.
Context:
Since the Magi were not Jewish, Epiphany is called the Gentile Christmas, a symbol that Christ is for all the world. Magi were a learned priestly class of Persia who knew the stars. The Old Testament had a prophecy about a star that is a symbol of David (Num 24:17).
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star rising and have come to do him homage.” King Herod summoned the chief priests and scribes, inquiring where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they said. Herod called the Magi aside to learn the exact time of the star’s appearance. Then he sent them to Bethlehem.
As they set out, the star which they had observed at its rising went ahead of them until it came to the place where the child was. They were overjoyed to see the star, and on entering the house, they found the child, with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage, offering him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They went home by another route because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The star is a totally unexpected invitation and the perfect help for their searching.
- The Jewish leaders know the place of Jesus’ birth but have no interest in going.
- Even worse, Herod is jealous and wants to kill the child.
- In contrast, the Magi believe, hope and act.
- They make sacrifices. They persevere and they do not grow discouraged.
- They stay together, rejoice and encourage each other.
- Their hearts are one and always intent on the same goal.
- They give themselves completely to the Child bringing their finest treasures.
- They are the perfect examples of beginners in search for Christ.
- They return home by a different route to safeguard the Child.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Show me your star, O Lord, I will make any sacrifice to follow it.
- Teach me to believe and to set out in faith.
- I will trust even though I do not know what lies ahead.
- Give me companions for my journey. Let us be of one heart and have you as our goal.
- O Lord, I hold back nothing. I give you all my treasures.
- I will change my life and take a different path to safeguard my life with you.
Resolution: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ Today, I will be attentive how God calls me.
+ I will be as a child, believing that God will show me his way.
Thought for the day: (To recall your meditation.)
They rejoiced to see the star again.