Magi

Every year on Jan. 6, Polish cities get flooded with joyful Three Kings Parades. These theatrical performance recall the historical event of Jesus’ birth and the visit of the Magis who worshiped him 2,000 years ago.

Today’s faithful are called, like the Magi from the East, to set out on a journey to discover the Christ child, he said.

The Star of Bethlehem inspires us to be stars, lights for others who might not see the way.

Following the light means moving. We cannot stay where and as we are; we must prepare to be changed.

I try to imagine what it was like to be there on that night more than 2,000 years ago. What was it like for the shepherds, the Holy Family gathered around the manger and, later, the Magi when they finally arrived at their destination and saw the Blessed Mother and her baby?

In reading the Gospel infancy narratives, we must appreciate the faith and piety of the early believers who just wanted to know more about Jesus’ birth.

The world into which Jesus was born was rife with many of the same problems our world faces today. Yet, the readings for the Epiphany of the Lord help us understand that because of Jesus’ birth, there is more light than darkness, more hope than despair.