Epiphany and Magi and Questions

Have you ever stopped to think about how very odd the story of the magi is? Not that the entire birth narrative is any way normal, mind you. But the story of the magi takes an already odd tale and twists it even more. Here we have a baby so poor his cradle is a cow's feeding trough, and then these apparently rich magi (we don't know how many), show up. They had been following "his star" for quite some time, searching diligently for the child. When they find him they kneel before him, paying him homage, giving him gold and other treasures. Take out the sappy romanticism and think about how likely this is. We get the impression, particularly growing up with the hymns and stories inspired by this tale, that these were astrologers, or deeply religious pilgrims, epitomizing the devout life and trekking off in sure and certain knowledge that they will see the messiah, and get their answers to their lifelong questions. Which the Church helpfully provides

However, as odd as this sounds, I am not so sure that the Church is here to give us answers. Rather, the Church is here to help us explore the questions, to give us guidance, to teach us to pray. The Church is here to help us grow in our relationship with God, with Christ and with each other. The Church is here to help us seek our God-given star and follow that, because we DO believe that a life with meaning and grace is offered to all of us; we DO believe that although the way be hard and the search be long, it is worth it; we DO believe that although we may articulate our journeys and our answers differently, we share in common God's image of love in which we all live and move and have our being.

This is why the story of the magi speaks so powerfully to us. Because we know on some intuitive, spiritual level that the journey is worth it. We know that sometimes we just have to risk and leave a place of security to find a deeper home. We know that a star guide will us, that there will be a way in the wilderness, that there will be an end to the wandering.

Although the Church does not supply trite answers, it does make a promise. It promises that God's promises are true. And God has promised us, in the form of an infant born in a stable, that our lives have meaning and are infused with grace, that God has come incarnate among us. God promises us that there is always a star to guide us, if we but have the courage to take the risk and follow it. God promises us that at the end of our journeying we shall find God's love born(e) within us, bringing us the peace of soul and mind that we seek.

So arise, my friends in Christ, shine! Your light has come! And the glory of God is risen upon you!