Sunday Readings: Isaiah 60.1-6; Ephesians 3.2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2.1-12
After their audience with the king, the magi set out. The star which they had observed at its rising went ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, found the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They received a message in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went back to their own country by another route (Matthew 2.9-12).
The magi seek the newborn king of the Jews. They find the child with his mother and offer him royal gifts in the house where his family is living. Their journey begins in study and the stars and ends in reverence where a mother is nurturing her child. Many Epiphany customs celebrate the family circle as a holy place where seekers continue to find God’s love manifest. We bless our doorways and bake cakes with a bean in them that makes one family member king for the day.
The magi represent Gentile nations seeking Jesus. They step out of their familiar and comfortable live to search for more. We have all done this—left a job with security and benefits to start a small business; studied literature or theology in college when the conventional wisdom said to get a business degree; joined a faith sharing group where there are no familiar faces. A great thing about being human is that we can always change. Conversion, turning away and turning toward, is a capacity we have. We can become more and respond to mystery. We simply have to look up, see the star that is calling us, find some traveling companions, and set out. The divine awaits on every horizon.
- What new horizon summons you?