Mt 2:1-12 Holy Markers!

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
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When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."

We all seek epiphanies throughout our lives.  We want to see God.  We want to experience His presence.  But how?  Today's Gospel passage reveals some markers towards the God of Jesus Christ. 

Holy Friends.  We cannot underestimate the influence of friends, good and bad.  Friends can lift up our hearts, build us up and raise us up.  But there's a huge difference between follows, fans and friends.  Real fiends are few and far between.  Throughout my life I have run into thousands of people.  Of these, only a handful have been true friends - that is, people who would stand by me if tough times fell upon me.  Unfortunately, over time, some "friends" (I prefer "followers" or "fans") begin to "demand" more and more time, attention and even affection.  They begin to use the phrases, "You owe me..." or "You don't care about us..." ...which is truly unfortunate and unpleasant.  They are the first to criticize and the first to point a finger.

That's the way it is. 

Friendships are a treasure.  And we all need them.  But let's not fool ourselves to think they depend solely on how we treat others.  Let's not forget how few friends the Lord had throughout His life time.  And He was an awesome guy!  Let's not forget how many friends stood beside him at the foot of the Cross!

Good friends - Holy Friends - help us to get to Jesus.  We should seek a friendship with wise men and women who follow the star of David and the Son of God.

Holy Paths.  There is a difference between being spiritual and being religious, but all religious people are spiritual people.  We, religious people, who participate in "organized" religion (including those who belong to non-denominational churches) began our journey on a spiritual inclination, a hunch.  We were seeking someone, maybe even some thing.  Likewise, before a star appeared in the sky, the wise men were seeking some one, the King of kings.  But they didn't go on a wild goose chase.  They sought out markers - guides - to help them on their quest.  They sought out the advice of religious experts - chief priests and scribes - with the hope their advice, their counsel, their knowledge and their understanding of Scripture would lead them to their ultimate goal:  the Son of the Most High. 

Are you on your journey alone?  Are you on a wild goose chase?  Are you trying to reinvent the wheel and start your own church? 

Stay on the road!  Keep the commandments.  Live the Beatitudes.  Stay off the curbs!  Avoid sinning.

The Church and the Holy Scriptures are two paths that lead us to Jesus Christ.  Sure, there are many paths to heaven, as many as there are people, but Scripture and the Church's teachings help us to get to the King safe and sound, with as few cuts and wounds as possible in this life! 

Holy Stars.  There are many different types of stars in the sky.  There are many different types of stars in our world.  There are Hollywood stars, athletic stars and music stars.  But what is in common with all these stars is that they all come and go.  The reason?  Because they point to themselves.  In contrast, what makes a star a holy star is that it points to something else:  a child in a manger.  "We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage" (cf. Mt 2:2).

Still, I believe that all stars, whether secular or non-Christian, point indirectly to Jesus Christ.  In fact, all things  - science, philosophy, religion, politics, relationships, friendships, animate and inanimate things - point to the creator and redeemer of the world.   

As you can see, the Lord has provided many markers to get to Him:  Holy friends (saints living and dead); Holy paths (Scripture and Church) and Holy Stars (life's wonders).  
 
Come, let us adore Him.