This Sunday, as the Christmas season draws to a close, the Church brings us the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. The word Epiphany means “to manifest” or “to reveal”. So what does the story of the Magi in their pilgrimage to seek Jesus reveal to us about our pilgrimage of faith?
The Gospel tells the fascinating age-old story of some Magi making their long and arduous journey, guided by a star, in search of the new-born King of Israel. They met up with King Herod who schemed to kill Jesus, but the Magi continued to follow the star and found Jesus. Their willingness to embark on this journey stemmed from their deep desire to encounter someone extraordinary despite the uncertainty and risks. They gave up their time, their treasure, and themselves to make this journey, always keeping their eyes on the star.
Do we seek the Lord with this same fervour and focus? Like the Magi, we will experience darkness, perils, joys, and sorrows in our faith journey. The uncertainties of our circumstances will weary us, making the journey seem insurmountable at times. However, as Isaiah encourages us in the first reading: “Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” The Lord is calling us to persevere like the Magi in seeking Him. He has come for each one of us, to lead us to a life beyond this earthly one—a life meant to be shared with Him in heaven. More importantly, we do not embark on this pilgrimage alone; God has given us the Holy Spirit and each other – our family, friends, priests, and the Church. We are meant to journey together with one another, leaving no one behind.
Encountering Jesus requires us, like the Magi, to chart a different path—one that leads to conversion of heart and living our life anew. Just as at every Eucharistic Celebration, God calls for each of us to be transformed by the Word we hear and the Eucharist we partake. This is aptly proclaimed in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
By Florence Ang