Many years ago, I decided that I wanted to become a serious stargazer. I mentioned my interest to a friend who presented me with a telescope. This was not a simple point at a star and look telescope. It was a real telescope that required some knowledge about astronomy or at least a sense of where to look to see what the night sky has to offer. I must admit I was a bit disappointed. All I wanted to do was take a close look at some stars and planets. I didn’t realize how complicated the sky is with thousands and thousands of stars, clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Serious stargazing takes work and I was not sure that I wanted to put much energy or effort into this project. So, my telescope sat in a corner, rarely used until I finally gave it to someone who was truly interested in learning about astronomy.
The Magi who followed the Star of Bethlehem were scholars. They were serious stargazers who, when they saw the “star at its rising,” dropped everything they were doing to follow it. They did not have telescopes. They had to rely on the low-tech science of the day. They studied the night sky watching for changes and movement. They knew this new star represented something extraordinary, the “newborn king of the Jews” and they were willing to make great sacrifices to find him. We don’t know exactly where they came from but St. Matthew implies that they traveled a great distance to get to Bethlehem. What is interesting to consider is that this star clearly was not invisible. Others must have seen it. The Scribes and Pharisees, the chief priests and scientists of Israel must have seen the star. But they did nothing to investigate. Pagan foreigners recognized the significance of the star and set out to find it.
All our readings today emphasize that Jesus was born for the people of all nations. The Magi were non-believers, pagans, gentiles, not worth any consideration in the eyes of the people of Israel, but they were the people who had the faith and humility to seek and welcome Jesus into our world. They did not know where the star would lead them. However, they pursued their journey of faith knowing that the end of their journey would reveal something spectacular, “the glory of the Lord.” On this Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, we should ask ourselves, what star do I follow? Will I recognize a God sent star? What will I sacrifice to follow that star?
Father,
you revealed your Son to the nations
by the guidance of a star.
Lead us to your glory in heaven
by the light of faith.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
Amen
