Slaves in the American South used to sing “Following the drinking gourd” as a code for escape from bondage. The “drinking gourd” was what we call the “Big Dipper” which points toward Polaris, the North Star. By following the drinking gourd they were going north, away from slavery. So Jiminey Cricket had it half right. Yes, we do need to wish upon a star but even more we need to act on that wish if we are going to reach our heart’s desire.
Of course, in the Bible the magi are the prime example of those who followed a star. Perhaps we can think of them as the patron saints of turning off the TV. If you are going to see a star you have to enter into the darkness. For us that means prayer and silence where we can encounter the will of God for us. But in order to follow a star you must get out of your recliner and do something. As we know from the story of the three kings following the star does not imply going in a straight line. You can get lost and confused about the right way. But unless and until we get out of one’s accustomed rut, the star cannot lead you so that “your dreams come true.”
