A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
And behold, the star that [the magi] had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. . . . They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
In today’s reading for the Epiphany of the Lord, the magi seeking the newborn king of the Jews follow a star at its rising to give the king homage. When they come from the east, they follow the star and continue as long as it draws them on. Matthew tells us that the star stopped. Over that place, Matthew tells us, that is where they found Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. How many stars have I followed in life that continue to lead me on to another and another? The star stopped over Jesus, and the magi gave Jesus homage, offering him their treasures. When they left, they went home another way, forever changed.
God, help me come to understand the light that Jesus brings to the world. When I fall and strive to rise, help me follow your light. Isaiah says of the birth of your Son: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory.” Help me by your grace perceive the light you shine through the Eucharist and in the faces and experiences I encounter today.
Lord, the magi knew in whose presence they prostrated themselves. Let me bask in the light of your love and trust in your the promise of your Son of eternal life in your splendor. Be with me, Lord!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.