Have you ever gone to a party or a gathering with a gift, only to arrive and realize that the gift is wholly inappropriate for the recipient or the occasion? Imagine what the magi felt with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh when they walked into the stable where Jesus was born. Perhaps their first thought was that they should have left these gifts in Herod’s palace. But then “they prostrated themselves and did him homage,” two things they did not do for Herod. Despite the humble surroundings and humble parents, they recognized the king and presented their most appropriate gifts.
In a dream the magi were warned not to return to Herod. Matthew tells us that the magi returned home a different way. Perhaps he is saying not only that they avoid Herod, but that their encounter with Jesus had changed them. No longer were they understanding things the same way. They changed their plans, their path, and their lives.
The bright star in the sky drew the magi from their distant country to see the newborn king and offer him their treasures. We are drawn to our king, Christ the Lord, and we offer him our treasure, our hearts, our hopes, our lives. May we be that bright star for others, drawing our families, friends, and neighbors to him so that they too may find the treasure we know in the Lord.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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