This week we read the story of Matthew’s account of the Magi who came visiting the Christ Child.  Both Luke and Matthew tell us the story but they tell it in very different ways.  Matthew seems to want to drive home a message that we do not appreciate.  It is a message that has remained true through the centuries, however.  Sadly it seems particularly true in our world, today.  How could this be? 

    The story of the Magi has two important elements woven into it.  One, it tells us that Jesus was made know or manifested, to all the world, not simply the Jewish people.  This is a very important point.  The second element is that the story includes much turmoil, danger and suffering.  This is the part of the story that we do not enjoy reflecting upon.  However, it is impossible to fully appreciate the Gospel message if we choose to avoid this part of the story. 

    What the story of the Magi tells us is that Jesus came into a world that was experiencing some harsh political and social realities. The people were living in a world of gloom.  Their hope was almost non-existent.  They had nowhere to turn and no one to turn to.  The story of the star tells us that “light” came into the world.  People began to “see” what they were doing to each other.  God entered the scene to give his people hope.  The light came as a baby and as the child grew, so too the light.  Joy and Peace filled the hearts of the people enabling them to be happy.

    As we look into our present situation we are forced to admit that this wondrous light is almost non-existent once again.  What has happened to us, to our world?  Can we learn from today’s Gospel message?  Our present world is again in political turmoil and social unrest.  We have war and genocide, selfishness and greed that abound, poverty of the masses, and a declining moral perspective.  For the most part, the message of the Gospel does not make a difference.  What are we to do?  Should we wait for the Magi to come back?  Will this happen?  Perhaps.

    The Magi were known for their Wisdom.  They were able to recognize the message for what it really meant for the nations.  Can we do this?  Two thousand years later with all the education we have at our fingertips, can we not possibly rekindle the Light?  What do we need to do?  Following the lead of the Magi, we must begin by trusting in the Light.  Then we must undertake a long and perhaps treacherous spiritual journey in faith.  We must dare to encounter the forces that have the power to do us harm, i.e. criticism, mockery, greed, etc.  Finally, we must be willing to give of ourselves in the midst of darkness.  Are we willing to take this journey? Or, are we afraid of what we may lose on the way? .  Christ can only come to light through us.  We must at least try!