The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord tickles our imagination and poses many questions: Who where these Wise Men? How far did they travel? How did they know about the newborn king of the Jesus? Was there really a star that guided them? Is this story true, or is it just "Midrash"? We may never find satisfactory answers, but among the applications that flow from this story is the truth with which we all can identify: the need for "reliable guides." There was something compelling about the star the Magi followed that kept moving toward it until it finally rested over the home where the Holy Family lived in Bethlehem. Don't we too look for reliable guides in our families, communities, churches?
A step further, do we see OURSELVES as reliable guides for others, especially the young? If nor us, WHO? We have gifts to lay before the younger generations, not gold, frankincense or myrrh, but faith, wisdom, truth, stability and love. Are not these what the Millennials,or the latest generation, the "I-Gens", of today are seeking? Legend has followed these Magi, describing their conversion and baptism by St. Thomas. Their relics, found by St. Helena, were taken to Constantinople and by the fifth century, were in Milan. Later, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa brought them to the cathedral of Cologne where they are venerated to this day as Sts. Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior. May they guide us in our role as reliable guides to others.
Bro. Rene
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