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As many of you know, one of my favorite ways to vacation is going somewhere beautiful, near mountains, and hiking. Whether it is the Rockies, the Smokies, or the Sierra Nevadas, it doesn’t really matter; just give me some trails to explore and I will be happy. In many cases, the popular hikes have multiple routes to the same destination and I usually pick the one best travelled so I don’t have to worry about way-finding. A well-worn path allows me to stay on track easily and just focus on the beautiful scenery all around me.
As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, we have the chance to observe something special about the Magi. Their hunger and thirst for truth provides a trustworthy trail to finding God, not only in the massive revelation they received but even in the humdrum of daily life. The journey of the Magi offers us a reliable path to follow which enables us to focus on the beautiful scenery of blessings and grace God puts all around us!
The Magi’s path to Bethlehem shows us 5 steps in the spiritual life which ultimately lead, not just to some interesting experience or information, but to Jesus and the grace of interior transformation and holiness.
The first characteristic of the Magi way is observation. The Magi were stargazers but not just as a hobby or something to pass the time. They studied the heavens for a purpose, they were hoping to see something in the pattern of the sky, the movements of planets, constellations and heavenly bodies that would teach them about God. They believed that God had a message for them. So they faithfully watched and observed, night after night, becoming familiar with the nuances of the heavens. This familiarity would serve them well; once they saw the unfamiliar and unusual star, they knew something special was happening; they trusted God was speaking to them.
Some simple questions to consider: Do we believe God is trying to communicate with us? What are the things we are attentive to and observing right now? Are they things that would teach us about God? Or is it the stock market? The political situation? The latest news in the world, our country or the Church? Are we observing the correct things that allow us to see God inviting us to come closer or might we be focussed on something else that leads away from him?
The second characteristic of the Magi is that they were decisive. After seeing the star and discerning it was God’s sign, they started their journey. This was not as simple as travel today. Going into unknown territory at their time was truly dangerous. There was no google maps and many roads were ruled by thieves and robbers. Most routes were uncharted and regional; there was no highway or interstate to quickly take someone from one place to the next. Many people started a journey and never returned. The Magi were men of action and courage. They could have found a long list of reasons to stay home and play it safe. Instead they followed the star and let God unfold his plan as they went.They didn’t need all the details before they acted; they trusted God.
The third characteristic of the Magi is that they were not discouraged or stopped by opposition and setbacks. On their way to Bethlehem, they had to go through King Herod who wanted to use them to kill the Christ-Child. This 3rd characteristic is perhaps the most important for us today. As a whole, we modern day Christians live a very comfortable and easy life. But there is no way to walk closer to Christ and stay on the path to holiness without encountering opposition, suffering, and sacrifice. Some of this resistance will come from within ourselves: our own weakness and attraction to sin. Some of it will come from others who do not share the same values or who even resent our efforts to grow in faith. And some of our struggles will come from the evil one, who hates God and anyone who tries to follow him. The magi teach us that hardships, setbacks, and suffering are not signs we are on the wrong path nor are they insurmountable barriers. Instead, such things should be expected and dealt with in a calm, prayerful, and confident way, knowing God will lead us through each and every one.
Fourth, and my personal favorite, when they finally encounter Jesus, they break open their treasures. They give him the best of what they have. I think our tendency is often to give the Lord whatever we have left over after we have taken the best for ourselves. We can be very stingy and cheap with God! And I am not just talking about material things. I am also thinking of our time, our God-given talents, our hearts. I think most of us would have given the Magi a break if they arrived in Bethlehem and said, “hello Joseph and Mary, nice to meet you! We have spent the last month or two following a star. We’ve used all our vacation days and it has been more costly than we imagined. So, our presence here is our present to you and the Christ-Child. We are saving the rest of our treasure for the way back.”
But this is not at all what they do! Once they arrive, they deliver what is most precious to Jesus. They do not ration their gifts; they are extravagant in their offering, they do not count the cost! Many of us do the first 3 steps and then when we stand before Christ, we hold back! We do not give him the best of our mind, heart, soul, and strength. We save that for our secular pursuits and personal projects. When push comes to shove, what gifts do we break open to the Lord and which ones do we guard jealously for ourselves?
Finally, the wise men returned to their home by another way. Of course this is due to the warning of the angel about King Herod’s murderous rage. But it is also a symbol that their journey to Bethlehem, their encounter with the Christ-child had changed them fundamentally. They had experienced transformation and they could not return to who they were before. Our own relationship with Jesus should accomplish the same thing in us. Once we have walked through the first four steps, we must be changed people! We cannot go back to our same ways of thinking, acting, praying, and living. We should become a new creation.
Take some time today to reflect on the Magi and the wisdom of their path to the Christ-child. Let’s honestly ask ourselves if we follow the five steps they took towards Bethlehem: constantly looking for God’s presence, summoning the courage to act once we see God’s sign, resisting discouragement when we encounter obstacles, giving the best of ourselves when we stand before Jesus, and embracing his transforming grace, refusing to go back to old ways of living. For any ways we falter or hesitate, we ask their help and intercession. May each of discover Christ by following the path they have provided for us!
