January 8, 2017

Feast of the Epiphany – Reflection by Fr. Leo

 

Three wise men follow a star they believe will lead them to deeper wisdom.  These three men are searchers and as such make a pilgrimage to the Lord.  All pilgrimages are journeys lived out in the active efforts of traveling.  They have a destination that is sought for spiritual purposes.  This hints at the true purpose of a pilgrimage.  It is not just and outward journey, but an inward spiritual quest as well.

 

The ultimate goal of any pilgrimage is entrance into the Kingdom of God, God’s presence. In this sense we are all called to be magi, seekers of God.  To enter into God’s presence we do need to travel to new places where we may think and act and play differently.  We need to be willing to leave the familiar behind and take up the mantle of humility to find God in the humble, simple and ordinary events of our lives.

 

Finally, like the magi, to enter into the kingdom we must be willing to give all we have to God, symbolized by the magi’s gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.  God asks for a lot, our whole selves, which he has given us, but he also gives us the blessing of being one with him in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  That is the true Epiphany we celebrate today. 

 

Let us follow the example of the magi that we may come to enter into the fullness of God.  May God bless us in our searching.