Star of wonder

Solemnity of the Epiphany

So what about this star of Bethlehem thing?  Obviously, it’s not just a normal star or we’d see it today.  Could it have been a super-nova, a comet, or a meteor of some kind?  Maybe it wasn't a star at all, but the conjunction of planets or some other astrological sign that the Magi read as important.  But why would any of these things lead the magi to a particular place?  Maybe it was a miracle sent by God – like the pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the desert.  But if it was, why couldn't Herod and his counselors also see it?  Or perhaps we’re just over-thinking this.  For Matthew, it was simply important that something led the Magi to Jesus.

Today, we live a world can seem far, far away from Jesus.  Unending war, violence striking uncomfortably close to home, threats of terrorism, countless abortions, embarrassing scandals, relentless poverty, tragic natural disasters, you name it, we have it.  At times, perhaps more often than not, it seems hopeless.  But hope there is.

The Magi found hope in the little child Jesus.  Now the Magi were Gentiles, not Jewish.  They did not have sacred scripture to lead them to Jesus.  They did not have a history of living in covenant with God to direct them to Jesus.  They needed that star to lead them to Jesus, to give them hope.  Where is the star of Bethlehem that can lead us to Jesus today when we so desperately need hope? 

Jesus calls each one of us to be stars that lead people to him. How do we do that?  Are we to preach in the streets?  Are we to invite someone to come to Mass with us?  I suppose either of these is OK, but Jesus has something simpler, yet much more profound, in mind.

A bit later in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus clues us in on how we can be a star – a light to all people.  He states that his disciples are the light of the world, a city set on a hill for all to see.  We are a lamp that is not hidden under a bushel basket, but set on a stand to shine before all, that they may see our good deeds – good deeds that are so selfless and altruistic that their only motivation can be from some higher power – and give glory to the God who would inspire such selfless generosity.

For the past few weeks in Newtown, we have basked in and followed the light of many stars.  Tens of thousands of letters and prayers from around the world, magnanimous offers of services and money, countless gifts of rosaries, prayer shawls, teddy bears, flowers, the list goes on.  We have stood in awe, praising and glorifying God, witnessing the deep faith and courage of the families that were directly affected.  These have been our stars of Bethlehem, leading us to the presence of Jesus, the presence of love, the presence of hope. 

Yet, seeing and following is not enough.  We are also impelled to reflect on how well each of us has been living our own call to be the shining light that leads others to Jesus.  How have my actions caused others to find Jesus?  Jesus’ own suggestions for being a star are a good place to start this reflection.

He tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.  But when I revel in gossip about those whom I dislike or if I wish evil on those who have done evil, why would anyone find Jesus by following me?

He tells us that if someone strikes us on the right cheek, to offer the other cheek as well, to not retaliate in kind but to fight evil with good.  But when I strike out in anger against the one who has hurt me, when I resort to bombs and bullets to settle my affairs, why would anyone find Jesus by following me?

He tells us not to worry about what we are to wear and what we are to eat – we are to trust in the God who loves us infinitely and unconditionally, who feeds the sparrows who do not reap and the clothes the grass which does not weave.  But when I obsess about my financial well-being; when I jealously hoard my meager possessions instead of sharing God’s plenty with those around me; why would anyone find Jesus by following me?

Jesus understands that he is asking us to act unnaturally – and that’s exactly the point. 

It’s natural to love only those who love you – even the heathen do as much.  Jesus calls us to the unconditional and universal love that the supernatural God bestows on each of us. 

It’s natural to exact appropriate retaliation for any injury – we call that human justice.  Jesus calls us to supernatural divine mercy that God offered us in sending Jesus to become one of us, to die for us that we might be reconciled to God.

It’s natural to plan for our financial success and take care of number one first – we call that prudence.  Jesus calls us to supernaturally unbounded generosity, the giving of our very lives as He gave his life for us.

Jesus then becomes our star by living out his teachings.  He is compassionate and loving to all, saints and sinners alike.  He trusts His Father’s will even when it leads him to the cross.  He then prays for the very people who are nailing him to that cross.  And he says: “Follow me.”

Nature can only lead to nature.  The Star of Bethlehem – which nobody can explain in natural terms – truly a supernatural star of wonder – led the magi to the supernatural, to God-made-man, to the one who takes on our human nature that we might share in His divine nature, the one who is our true star, the light which darkness will never overcome, the one who is our unfailing guide, leading us to eternal salvation.

See the star.  Follow the star.  Be the star.