The Magi ~ Not a Fool’s Journey

My Meditation on the Gospel

Part One is here.

THE MAGI (4)—APPRECIATION OF THE SPIRITUAL

Matt. 2 : 1 -1 2

1. The Magi standing in the spacious and beautiful throne room of Herod.
2. The grace, my Jesus, to appreciate and value the spiritual treasures You have given me.

Herod’s many spies soon reported to him about the Magi and their search for the newborn King. Herod immediately dispatched an emissary to lead them to the palace on the western side of the city. There they were received with courtesy; their guards were given quarters; their camels watered, and they themselves installed in beautiful accommodations in one of the many suites for guests.

Presently they were summoned to meet Herod himself. They noticed the unusual splendor of the throne room as they waited for the King to come in, but they were surprised to see his wasted body and to smell the sickening odor of his decaying flesh even above the odor of the incense. They bowed respectfully, exchanged greetings, and then asked about the newborn King.

Again they were amazed when Herod apparently knew nothing about Him. So it was not Herod’s son! The learned men of the Law were summoned, and they told that it was in Bethlehem, some five miles southwest of Jerusalem, where the King was to be born.

 Herod inquired about the time of the star and where they saw it. And he told them to go and find the Child and then tell him so that he too might adore. Sending his soldiers might cause suspicion and make people hide the Child. This way he could cover up his plan to kill the Child.

Dear Lord, I love the way the Magi were completely unimpressed by the magnificence and splendor of Herod’s palace, and how they left its sumptuous life in order to seek little, poor Bethlehem. For them Bethlehem held the real treasure and the real life!

And I marvel at the Pharisees who were able to point out the way to the Savior, but didn’t go themselves! What coldness and lukewarmness! How careless they had become in things spiritual!

My King, You know only too well how this is a danger for me. Familiarity with things spiritual can so easily lead us to value them less. Your presence in the Eucharist just a little distance away and yet how many excuses I find to neglect to make a visit.

The same with the real treasure of spiritual reading and Sacred Scripture. Like the Pharisees, I urge these on others and show them the way—and then I fail to go that way myself! O my King, make me have a keen sense of spiritual values!

THE MAGI (5)— FAITH

Matt. 2 : 1-12 

1. The astonished looks on the faces of the simple people of Bethlehem as they saw the three Magi enter the simple house of Joseph.
2. The grace, my Jesus, of that deep, beautiful faith that sees beyond appearances to what is real.

The Magi thanked King Herod, bowed and left his presence. The captain of their guard assembled the men and they started for Bethlehem. As soon as they left the palace grounds and went through the western gate of the city, the star shone again—even though it was daylight.

Tears streamed down their faces and their lips moved silently in prayerful thanks. It was not a fools’ journey after all! God was just trying their faith, making it stronger through trials. The pressure of joy on their hearts almost hurt.

It was no trial to them then when the star led to a little one-room house; no scandal to their great faith when they saw in the doorway a simple carpenter, with shavings of wood on his apron, and a little girl mother with her baby in her arms!

The star was there. It was enough. At a signal their guard of honor dismounted and formed a double line to the little doorway. Mary and Joseph withdrew into the house. The Magi came in with their gifts.

They were enthralled by her beauty and gracious simplicity as she made them welcome. They offered their gifts, and then falling down on their knees, they adored!

O my King, what a beautiful scene to see those great men on their knees before You! They didn’t kneel before Herod for all his trappings of wealth and majesty. But they knelt before You in that simple, unadorned little room.

“Faith is the substance of things to be hoped for; the evidence of things that are not seen.”

They now had the substance because they had You. Their faith was the evidence. It made them put aside all their Eastern prejudice about wealth and external glory. Faith made them find You.

Dear Master, faith is a light. With it I can see in the darkness of doubt, skepticism, cynicism and sorrow.

Increase my faith; make bright my lamp that I may see. Let me be like the Magi and never be scandalized by appearances!

Let me see and love You in the Eucharist, see and embrace You in the Sacrament of the present moment, see and praise You in the beauties of nature and persons. Let me see and love You in the sorrows and the joys that come my way!

“Reality has a way of wearing the shine off of a once gleaming romance, but don’t let it get in the way of your love for a second! If you haven’t already, you can start by giving up on the question, “What’s in it for me?” and replace the question with, “What can I offer?” Every time that you work through any obstacles with patience, humility, and kindness you are building and strengthening your bond of love.” – Darlene Schacht

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