What I’m Thinking: Following a Star

The magi – people seeking wisdom – followed a star over great distances to find a promised Messiah. What do we follow? What can we follow to deepen and practice our wisdom?

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking about the second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12): the visit of the magi, people who sought after wisdom. They followed a star, a light in the sky, in order to find Jesus, the promised Messiah of God.

I’m thinking about the gifts they brought, the gold, the frankincense, and the myrrh – the coincidence of three gifts is what has led us to think there might have been three magi, though Matthew doesn’t say.

I’m thinking about the fate of those gifts: sold so that the Holy Family could flee to Egypt and escape the anger and the power of King Herod, searching for a rival claimant to his throne.

There are so, so many things in this text. How should we think about those who flee from danger? Can we learn to welcome people? Can we learn, for that matter, to change things to that they do not have to run from their homes in the first place?

And can we learn to look up or out or around or even, I suppose, down, and find something to follow? Some light? Some idea? Some commitment? Some love?

Can we leave our own shells and go out to a strange place and bring gifts? Can we do something, change something, so that someone else can grow and thrive?

As we come to this Epiphany, and as we celebrate a New Year, I wish you all the best. Hau’oli makahiki you! Happy New Year!

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear about what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.