Readings: Is: 60: 1-6
Eph: 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Matt: 2: 1-12
Today’s readings fill us with hope…the waiting is over…a star has appeared…a Light has shone in the darkness. God has manifested himself to us by sending his only begotten son.
The shepherds in the fields were inspired by the angels to follow the star to the stable. As they approached, they saw this tiny, unassuming child lying in the manger.
They fell to their knees in unexpected homage for they felt the sacredness in this humble setting.
Unlike the poor shepherds, the Magi persevered in traveling a great distance from the East on their way to Bethlehem. It was a journey of wonder and anticipation as they followed the star, in search of the child who has been born king of the Jews. When the star stopped over the stable they were astonished at what they saw, yet overwhelmed with joy. They bowed down , and like the shepherds , worshipped him. The gifts they brought were an expression of their faith and trust, realizing who this simple, little child was. They brought gold for a king; frankincense for someone divine ,and myrrh for anointing at his burial. These wise men from the East looked for nothing in return but received the awesome gift of an encounter with the divine.
Can we, like the magi, keep our eyes fixed on the star so as to recognize our Lord and Savior even when we encounter him in unexpected people and in the simple wonders of everyday life?
Expect to be surprised with an overabundance of God’s gifts in 2017.
Sister Josita DiVita, F.D.C.