+JMJ
We celebrated Epiphany this week! It is the manifestation of the Son of God to the world. It is one of my favorite feast days because it feels like the first adoration chapel. The infant Jesus, displayed in His Holy Mother’s lap to be adored and glorified. I find it is a beautiful example of devotion, perseverance, and dedication to the Lord.
So, the Lord challenged me to think about my own devotion, willingness, and dedication to Him.
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.
My Meditation *
The three Kings have come together to celebrate a wedding. They are very close friends and their whole families are there. But even with such a great celebration, with an abundance of food, drink, and dancing, they all hold sorrow in their hearts. An emptiness that never seems to go away. They each go to bed late after the wedding celebration.
One of them awakens in the early morning hours, and unable to fall back asleep, wanders out onto the balcony overlooking his kingdom. The stars are plentiful in the sky. A longing sweeps into his heart as he gazes up at them.
In that moment there was a bright burst of light from the horizon that illuminates the whole world. He falls back, startled and almost blinded by the light. He regains his footing and watches as the brightest star he has ever seen, rises steadily from the horizon to its high point in the sky. He is in awe and his heart fills with hope.
He rushes through the palace to wake up the other two kings. They too were amazed. They all agree that it was a sign of the birth of King of Kings and that they should follow it.
They order preparations be made for their journey immediately. They wish their families farewell and set out to follow the star.
The journey is long, with unruly weather, extreme temperatures, and treacherous terrain. The star is so bright it can be seen by day and night.
They reach the border of King Herod’s kingdom in the middle of the night. His guards question them about their reasons for traveling at such an hour. They ask permission to travel safely through Herod’s lands. The soldiers take the Three Kings to Herod’s palace, where they wait patiently as Herod is roused from his sleep.
They explain why they are traveling through his lands, which strikes fear into his heart and becomes the seed of malice. It is the fear that this new king would overthrow him. He asks them to return once they have found the new king, so he too, may pay him homage.
The Three Kings are given safe passage through Herod’s kingdom and follow the star until it stops over a small stable in Bethlehem. They are completely filled with joy, hope, and love at the sight of the baby, Jesus. All the discontentment and emptiness is immediately erased.
They each hold Him tenderly, and lovingly taking in all His gentle goodness. They present their gifts to Him carefully placing them at the feet of Mary. They sit and speak with Mary and Joseph for a short time, longing to stay in His presence. Upon leaving the stable they are filled with so much bliss and wonder.
They make camp outside the city of Bethlehem to rest before beginning their long journey home. During the night they all have the exact same dream. One of carnage, despair, and death. Women wailing and children screaming. An angel singing a song of warning. Warning them not to return to Herod.
How Far Would I Go?
The thing that really stuck out to me in this meditation, is what they would have endured to get to Jesus. How far they would have traveled to adore Him. The obstacles they must have faced. Obviously there is no way to know for sure, but I imagine it was difficult and we know that Herod was a dangerous man.
So it makes me wonder…..
What would I be willing to do to adore Him? What would I be willing to endure to adore Him? What would I be willing to suffer to adore Him? As much as the wisemen? Even more? Martyrdom?
I pray that I would be able to do anything for Him.
Thrive in Jesus, my Friends!
What difficulties have you endured for the sake of Jesus? What gifts have you given Him? How far are you willing to go for His sake?
*Check out this post to learn the difference between meditative and contemplative prayer.