THE SILENCE OF THE MAGI
Meditation on the Epiphany of the Lord
Today we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus Christ as King of the universe. The salvation of the Lord has been announced to the ends of the Earth. The door of salvation in Christ Jesus is opened to both the Jews and the Gentiles. The Wise men from the East recognised the Star and followed it to pay homage.
The silent message of the star was obvious to them, but their initial interpretation and inquiry landed them in Herod's abode. Their peaceful journey brought confusion and tension to Herod's household. Those who in their authority refuse to surrender to Christ will always echo the noise and confusion of Herod in their lives. Still, the Wise who were in search for Jesus continued their peaceful journey, drawn along in silence by the bright star.
Though it was a peaceful and bright journey, but they had hard times getting to Bethlehem. Seeing Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus they were filled with joy. Then opening their treasuries they offer Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Imagine the beauty of the wise men from the East as they payed homage to Jesus and surrendered their wisdom and authority to Him. Their individual personalities was overtaken by their difficult journey and the gifts they offered. What they did for and offered to Jesus stood up as IDENTITIES for them. They lost their voices in the silence of their journey and adoration, but their act of homage spoke for them. And we continued to perceive them in the sparkling of the Royal gold, the rising of the incense of prayer and the scent of sacrificial myrrh.
The silence of the Magi speaks to us. The exaltation of the self is foolishness. Let the good works we perform speak for us. Too much talk and projection of the ego does not last a life time. The wise ones speak the silence of Jesus as they search for Him and empty their TREASURIES before Him. Joy and peace shine like the star in the lives of the wise ones who choose to kneel before Jesus. Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday January 3rd, 2021.
Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord
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