Dear one,
Last week I reflected with you regarding Epiphany: the celebration of the star of night leading the magi to the Son of Light. In that reflection, I concluded by noting that, in our seeking the Light even as did the magi, our search might mean either present or deferred joy: the Incarnation leading to the Crucifixion leading to the Resurrection. The inner-connection between these three moments I hold as fundamentally true; however, this connection begs the question: How do we search for the Light—what decisions shape our search? Here we do well to rehearse the experience of the magi:
Although much has been offered regarding the magi (i.e. Were they wealthy, Zoroastrian philosopher-astronomers?) and the astral phenomenon they beheld (Was it a super-nova?); and although thought has been given to the resources available to them (i.e. Did they have portions of the Hebrew Scriptures and/or the Babylonian Talmud?), nonetheless, according to Matthew’s Account they entered Jerusalem needing to ask: Where is he—the one born King of the Jews?[1] Moreover, only after Herod had directed them to Bethlehem did the star, which they had seen rising in the east, go before them. They had done their best “to put the pieces together,” but even so they needed help: Herod’s word and the star’s reappearance.[2] Likewise, upon worshipping the Child with their gifts, they returned to their homeland, disobeying Herod’s request regarding the Child’s whereabouts, a decision based upon a dream. Limited knowledge, limited resources, and necessary redirection characterized their experience throughout.
Perhaps it’s my perverse nature, but I am comforted by the magi’s experience. Given limited knowledge and resources, seemingly they risked much. So too, at pivotal moments they needed direction from sources beyond them. To their credit, they asked for help; to their credit they relied upon a phenomenon some, like Scrooge, might have dismissed as a “slight disorder of the stomach … an undigested bit of beef”.
Culturally, with thoughts and resolves directed to living well the next twelve months, I wonder: What decisions will face you? With what limited knowledge and resources will you make those decisions? In making those decisions, will you accept help and redirection—and from quarters most unlikely? And most importantly, will you turn toward or away from the Light? These questions I ask not only of you but also of myself: What about Romania in late March, Uganda in early June, Malawi in late July, and a second Romania visit in early October? Hmm …
Pondering,
Stan
[1]Matthew 2:2.
[2]Matthew 2:9.