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There are many interesting things about the three wise men to contemplate today. Where they came from, what they believed, the gifts they brought, how long they journeyed, and so much more. Perhaps most helpful for us to consider is the simple question “why”? Why did these men come seeking the Christ-child from a far-away land? And when they found him, why did they adore him?
The Magi were searching for someone or something. They didn’t know exactly what it was but they knew one thing for certain: they wanted the truth no matter where it would take them, no matter what it would cost them. This quest for the truth was more than a desire, it was a way of life. It formed the way they looked at the world. This openness to the truth explains why they noticed a star rising in a position they had never seen before. They believed some god somewhere was trying to announce something through that star. So they continued their quest for the truth by following the star. They grew in faith as they traveled. When they first arrived in Jerusalem, they looked for a political figure, King Herod, hoping he would point them in the right direction. (It seems odd that supposedly wise men would go to a politician looking for truth!) But the worldly power wasn’t looking for truth; Herod was only concerned with holding onto his power, even if it meant destroying the truth. When they arrived at the house where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were staying, they fell down in worship. They were the first gentiles to have an experience of the Messiah. Their hunger for truth was satisfied, the journey to God was complete. They were sincere in the search for what is true and not afraid of the sacrifices necessary to find it. This love of the truth is what made them wise men.
The scholars in the Temple who devoted their lives to the Sacred Word and traditions of the Jewish people were not so wise. They knew that the Messiah was coming because it was written in Scripture. They even knew he was coming to Bethlehem. But the political timing for the Messiah just wasn’t right; the Truth was inconvenient to their hopes, plans, and dreams. The temple scholars were interested in the truth but only so far as it didn’t interfere with how they wanted live their life and faith. They were motivated first and foremost by the events in the world instead of the search for God. As a result, they missed entering into the presence of the Messiah.
The solemnity of the Epiphany celebrates Jesus manifesting himself to those whose faith leads them to him, to those who wish to see him because they love the truth more than anything else. The wise men did not know God but they found Him because their hearts were open to correction, teaching, and sacrifice. The Jewish scholars had the gift of God’s Word but they were not searching for him, and so they missed his presence on earth. They would end up fighting the truth rather than living in its light.
This feast causes us to ask ourselves about our own attitudes towards the truth. Are we really searching for God? Do we really want to find him? Do we love the Truth so much that we are willing to sacrifice anything to follow where it leads us? Or, when some teaching of our faith challenges us, do we choose to rationalize why it is no longer relevant or applicable to our lives? Do we give in to the temptation to conform the truth to our lives and when that is not possible, reject it or ignore it? These are important questions, because finding God always demands change in our lives. Changes which are good but not always easy. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, shared that before his conversion he practiced every kind of immorality. He did not want to convert to Christianity because he was afraid he might take it too seriously. He knew it would end up forcing him to change his ways, and he did not want to do that. He is famous for his half-hearted prayer, “Lord, give me purity but not yet.”
Every experience of God demands a change in our lives. It’s impossible to encounter the Living God, who is perfect love, truth, and Goodness and not be affected. If we are indifferent to God then we are not motivated by Truth. If we try to change God’s Law or his Will so that we can continue doing things our way, then we are not motivated by the truth. Rather, we are driven by comfort, control, fear, and worldliness. The worlds we create for ourselves are small, fragile, and ultimately doomed to fail. Only God’s truth, His Son, can endure forever. So we need to conform our lives according to His plan for us. That is the way to lasting joy, peace, and well-being. If we are not willing to come closer to Christ, then Christmas is just a week full of empty sentiment.
In some ways, you and I have it easy! We don’t have to go searching for the truth, wondering where it will appear. We know and believe that Jesus is the fulness of Truth, the Word of the Father sent to save us. And he gave us the Catholic Church, protected by the Holy Spirit, to guide us always in what is true, especially in matters of faith and morals. Our main task is to grow in our knowledge and love of the truth. We have to be on guard against the many voices, both within ourselves and in the world, which seek to disfigure and manipulate what is true and good. We need the example and courage of the Wise men to keep us always focused and open to God’s truth, no matter where it takes us or what sacrifices it demands. Let us not be like King Herod who was wiling to destroy the truth when it challenged his power or the temple scholars who ignored it when it was inconvenient.
“The wise still seek him,” some Christmas cards say. It is not degrees, age, accomplishments, or experience that ultimately give wisdom. This gift is given to the one who loves the truth unconditionally. If we really want the Lord in our lives, we must continue the journey towards His truth daily, without exception or excuses. May God help us hunger for what is true, as he did the three Wise Men. And like them, when we encounter the truth, may we submit in humble adoration. Then joy, peace, and blessings will ours.
