Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
The magi were astronomers from the east. It was their job to study the stars. So, when they saw the appearance of a strange new star, they began their investigation. Funny thing about this star, however, is that it moved. And they followed it to Jesus. God’s goodness prompts all of us to move forward until we encounter God-among-us, the Word made flesh. This is the journey we make every time we move forward in faith believing that God can be found and wants to be found by us.
When these wise men found Jesus, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts represented their finest treasures. When we find Jesus by following the star of faith, we also want to give something of significance to him. Just as he gives himself to us, he asks us to give ourselves to him. We are the gift that Jesus desires.
In the scripture passage for this Sunday, we read, “They prostrated themselves and did him homage.” They saw in this infant someone who deserved adoration. These magi were wise indeed! They saw beyond the appearance of a helpless infant to appreciate the presence of the powerful God made visible in him.
The Council of Trent used this passage of scripture to highlight the veneration we ought to give to the Resurrected and real presence of Jesus found in the Holy Eucharist: “It is the same God that the Magi fell down and worshiped.”
Wherever God leads us, we know that it will always be in the direction of his Son, Jesus. Along the way, God asks us to use eyes of faith to see what many refuse to see. Although our physical eyes see an infant, our spiritual eyes see God with us. Although our physical eyes see bread and wine, our spiritual eyes see God with us too. O come let us adore Him.
May you, your family, and those you love find God’s blessing as we walk forward together into a new year with faith, believing that we will encounter the savior of the world. Then, let us offer him our finest gift.