“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Matt 2:2)
These magi knew what they were about. They made all the necessary preparations and traveled the long journey to Jerusalem for a singular purpose, to find the newborn king and do him homage.
The conviction with which they inquired struck me with its absolute intensity.
It wasn’t recorded in Scripture; some strangers probed the locals questioning if anyone had heard a rumor about a possible baby king in the region. No.
The certainty in which these magi spoke alerted and alarmed Herod enough that he ordered the unthinkable, the slaughter of the innocents.
Their sincerity spooked the current king into eliminating the newborn king.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but we dance around topics more in our current day. Someone who dares speak with assurance and conviction is off-putting, confrontational, and uncomfortable to be around.
Why is this?
Unless I know my topic well, (and I don’t know if I know anything “well”), in most situations, I’m not going to go toe to toe with someone. I overheard a conversation today that revealed that I am not alone. A guy was saying to a friend in the coffee shop, Catholics believe different things about Jesus and Mary, I don’t want to get in the middle of that, so I just let them think what they want and stay quiet.
I believe we have all been conditioned to play nice, go along to get along and not make waves. It might be safer and less hassle but the truth stays safely tucked in our pockets where it won’t upset or assist anyone.
Goodness knows, we don’t want to upset anyone.
There are a few people in my life that I can be very candid with and have difficult conversations. A couple in marriage preparation asked us to be their mentor couple last year. She and I have the most forthright conversations. Neither of us hold back. It is invigorating and challenging. Refreshing even. I get excited about her questions. I love that I can be completely honest with her and she with me. If only all humans on the planet, could do so.
The magi knew what they were about.
They weren’t on the road to another destination and happened to overhear a rumor about a new king and decided to take a detour.
Do we know where we are headed? Are we on the right road? Is there an intentional plan and commitment? Are we prepared and determined to find that newborn King ourselves no matter what it takes? Or are we constantly rerouting, distracted, and wandering?
Only we know what drives or deters us.
The King has indeed come. He doesn’t want to spend another moment without you. If you have gotten side-tracked or lost, call on Him. Ask Him to lead you to Himself, to His Heart that loves you above and beyond your wildest imagination.
Like our beloved saints and those magi who pursued Him at all costs, we must not be deterred by lesser things that are only smoke, and mirrors meant to distract.
Lord Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we pray that you send magi into our life to lead us to you. Help us to be laser focused on You and your design for our life. Give us the courage to speak about You in truth and love.
Like the star the magi followed may we point to you so that others may seek and find You. And by the intercession of the heavenly Host of Saints and Angels, guide us to thy perfect light. Amen
An Epiphany house blessing, is the perfect way to begin your journey anew toward the King. All you need is a piece of chalk. Follow the link for directions.
I invite you to consider reading the new book, Cloud of Witnesses. I am one of twenty-five authors who share our stories of how the saints interceded in our life and taught us important lessons. St. Martha has been the saint I have most respected and emulated in my life. Those of you that know me know this to be true. Chapter seven is dedicated to her.
Happy Epiphany
A great way to reorient your journey towards Christ this year is to remind yourself daily by adding the Epiphany blessing to your doorpost. This is a simple thoughtful reminder to follow the star as the magi did to Jesus.
As always, thanks for your insights, Barb! I am struck by their commitment to find Jesus-may I be as committed in my journey!
Fr. Joseph also struck a note with me by saying that we are all “looking down.(at our various devices, when we need to look UP!”