Note: a further apology...I was so intent on composing yesterday's post that I lost track of time and missed the deadline. Look for two slices today, this and one below it...
We celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord a day earlier than the traditional January 6th as we enter the final week of the Advent/Christmas Season. We look upon this event as the revelation of Jesus to non-Jews, to the Gentiles, to the world. "Jesus came all" is the message, but there are other aspects that can help us in our own spiritual quest and longing to find the Lord Jesus and make him the central part of our lives.
Signs and dreams are not out of the question as we have seen in the stories of Mary and Joseph, from the annunciation to the return from Egypt. The Magi saw a very tangible star: we call it the "Star of Bethlehem. Astrologists have been able to reconstruct the heavens of 2,000 years ago and have discovered the phenomenon of the convergence of Venus, Jupiter and the star Regulus, to form a BRIGHT STAR over Bethlehem at the time or the birth of Jesus.
The Magi left behind their families and occupations to follow that sign, a pattern that we need to follow when God's signs indicate he is asking MORE of us than we anticipated. Their quest was satisfied and in return, they offered gold, frankincense and myrrh to honor the child. What treasure from our own hearts can we offer to him? In many countries, today is the day of gift giving. What a wonderful gift it would be to give our hearts, our ALL to Jesus, not holding anything back! "Take, Lord, receive, all I have and possess; you have given all to me, now I return it. Give me only your love and your grace, that's enough for me." (St. Ignatius of Loyola).
Bro. Rene
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