Do you ever wonder how many magi didn’t follow the star? They might have not been attentive to the rising of the star. Or perhaps they were too busy to take time out to follow the star. Or maybe they just didn’t have the energy to leave their comfortable surroundings to see where the star would lead. In any case, only a few (three traditionally based on the number of gifts) saw the star, knew its significance and followed it. In St. Matthew’s gospel the magi symbolize that the entire world is invited to acknowledge the newborn king of the Jesus as the savior of the world. As we celebrate the feast of the magi, Epiphany, we are today in the same position as the magi were back then. If we are wise men (and women) we need to be attentive to the signs of God’s presence all around us. In particular we need to see the face of Christ in those who are carrying their cross of suffering. We must make our one desire and choice always and only to follow the will of God wherever it leads us. And we must pay the price in giving our time and talent to help in bringing about the kingdom of God which Jesus proclaimed. Then we will truly understand the meaning of Epiphany, the appearance of God in the heart of human existence.
