Thoughts on Epiphany: “We observed his star at its rising”

The Wise Men were probably astronomers and philosophers but most importantly of all they were ‘seekers’, looking to the skies for something that would bring them closer to God. They would have been familiar with the prophecy about a new King who would be a very powerful leader and may have been watching the skies for years, waiting for the right astronomical sign which would foretell His birth. Many astronomers have since tracked the skies from that time period to try to identify what ‘star’ the Wise Men could have seen. Some have identified Jupiter, not a star, which in 6BC was following that correct trajectory across the sky over many months. One must admire the faithful and determined journey that these Wise Men set out on, a journey which involved many risks. The Wise Men represent all peoples of all cultures and faiths who make such journeys in search of God. 

We often look for signs in our own lives, especially when we are looking for answers. Let us have the courage to take the risk and move out of our comfort zones in search of Jesus just as the Wise Men did. They had no idea of what awaited them but the Gospel speaks of their delight and joy when they arrived to that place. 

“We often make do with looking at the ground…I wonder if we still know how to look up at the sky? Do we know how to dream, to long for God, to expect the newness he brings, or do we let ourselves be swept along by life, like dry branches before the wind?”(Pope Francis).