Going Home Another Way
Introduction
The Biblical story of the Magi has fascinated people for centuries. This short passage from the beginning of Matthew’s gospel (the only one in which the Magi make an appearance) is sparse with details but nevertheless intriguing enough to make us curious for more. These verses have been studied for their historical context, used for political purposes, and appropriated by different cultures into Christmas celebrations and traditions.
Matthew 2:1-12 (New American Bible)
The Visit of the Magi.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Rather than being a forgotten part of the Christmas story, this draws us in with its mystery and unanswered questions. Advent is an appropriate time to consider the Magi and what their story can teach us.
Even without all the details of the Magi’s journey (we don’t know who they were, when they saw the star, or how long they traveled), we can consider what Matthew may have intended us to understand by this story and reflect on what the Magi can teach us about a journey to find God.
Advent begins the liturgical calendar year in the Catholic church. Setting aside time for a meaningful Advent has a double advantage – it’s a way to mindfully close out the end of the calendar year as well as an intentional and prayerful way to start the liturgical year. And just like the secular New Year prompts us to consider making changes and resolutions, Advent can be a good time to consider how well our spiritual practices are working.
The journey of the Magi involved hardship and difficult travel for a prolonged time. Although we don’t need to prepare ourselves for that type of journey during Advent, it’s worthwhile to consider what kind of journey or pilgrimage we’d like to undertake.
For most of us, this may be the journey of a meaningful Christmas season. Although this sounds simple, a surprising number of obstacles are likely to interfere with such a journey. Because this is important to us, there’s inevitably a temptation to try to make this season perfect. This can happen whether you’re focused on your family/loved ones (maybe to make up for the gatherings that we missed during the Covid years) or focused on your own appreciation of the spiritual aspects of this season (you may be longing for some Christmas joy and peace in a world that seems full of turmoil and heartbreak). If you’re tempted to try to make it all “perfect,” your journey may require doing less to make more time and space for the deep longings to be honored rather than filling your days with less meaningful distractions and busyness.
But maybe this season overlaps with another type of journey or change for you. You could be in the midst of a life transition (retiring, moving, starting a new job). Or maybe you’re dealing with a loss or discerning a big decision and you desire to draw closer to God during this process.
Whatever your journey, God always accompanies you and invites you to discover more about yourself and deepen your spirituality. The journey of the Magi can provide inspiration for reflection, no matter what type of journey you’re on this Advent.
The church remembers the journey of the Magi at the Feast of Epiphany. We now commonly use the term “epiphany” to represent a sudden insight or intuitive understanding. The word epiphany comes from the Greek “epiphania,” a manifestation. The divine nature of Jesus is revealed, made manifest, to the Magi. From the simple shepherds to the Magi who came from a foreign land and culture, God included them all in the manifestation. We know that God is for all people everywhere. So, as we enter Advent, we can pray that our journey also provides us with some type of epiphany.
The Magi and their journey will be my focus this Advent. I’ll post something new each day for the next four weeks. On Sundays, there will be a reflection related to the theme for that week. Week one will focus on the call of the star, week two on the journey, week three on the destination, and week four on going home another way. Monday through Friday, I’ll offer a shorter reflection that focuses on one specific aspect of the weekly theme and provide some questions for reflection (if you are inclined, you might want to journal with these questions). On Saturdays, I’ll share a poem (written by a real poet, not me!).
Although I often have good intentions about doing something to make Advent meaningful, it always arrives before I’ve taken the time to prepare for it. These reflections are my Advent gift to you, with the hope that they provide a daily reminder of the season and an easy way to do something to make it meaningful. Each day stands on its own, so feel free to do this every day or just occasionally – whatever fits best in your life.
I wish you a blessed Advent!
Falling Up After 50 