Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Ruth Maier
“Behold, the Lord has come with kingship in His grasp.”
Opening Prayer
O God, who on this day revealed Your only Begotten Son to the nations by the guidance of a star, grant in Your mercy that we, who know You already by faith, may be brought to behold the beauty of Your sublime glory. Through our Lord Jesus, the Christ. Amen
Scripture
Matthew 2: 1 – 2, 9 – 12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying “Where do we find the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”
After their audience with King Herod, they set out for Bethlehem. And behold the star they had been following preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Reflection
Matthew’s account is the only Gospel that tells the story of the Magi. Thus it is proclaim on this Feast of the Epiphany.
These Wise Men, who probably came from the land we know today as Iran, were most likely astrologers. They studied the stars and the planets, analyzing their patterns, seeking their meaning.
We find in the Scriptures many passages about signs, for the ancient world placed much emphasis on signs. They looked to the stars for signs of the promised messiah.
So today we have these astrologers seeking “the newborn king of the Jews.” Finding this baby in Bethlehem, they recognize the fulfillment of God’s promise. They do him homage and offer him gifts.
That same star that led the Magi to their epiphany still shine today leading us to the Light and Glory of God’s Son, Jesus. We too are called to seek the light, to recognize the signs of Christ’s presence all around us. We need to take time to seek them out, discern their meaning and offer our gifts.
Where are the “stars” in your sky calling you to seek and find the Light of Christ, the Glory of God shining in your life?
What are the treasures, the gifts you bring?
Closing Prayer
God of surprise and wonder, You lead us on many paths. May we like the Magi, be attentive to the ways in which You call us to serve and love You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen