Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Joan Sobala
“We have seen his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2.2
Opening Prayer
Tender God, we are travelers along the road with the Magi. They were learned. We are learning – learning to recognize the signs along the way that lead to you. The Magi found each other as they traveled, seemingly alone. Help us to recognize those who are likewise seeking Jesus and join our travels to theirs. We pray in the name of the One we seek. Amen.
Reflection
Today, we pick up the story of the Magi deep into their travels. They thought they were close to finding Jesus, as they entered Jerusalem. But they caused consternation among Herod and his advisors. No one knew where this new king of the Jews was. Consulting the Scriptures, they concluded that if he was anywhere, it was Bethlehem. Herod was shrewd. “Go,” he said, “when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”
They went, they saw, they worshipped Jesus, they left their gifts. They were warned to leave by another route and they did. The Holy Family left quickly, as did the Magi. They had all been warned in a dream. That was a close call.
Like the Holy Family and the Magi, we have close calls. The Magi had turned to legitimate authority and it had failed them. The Holy Family thought they were secure in Bethlehem, but they were not. Never would these groups see each other again. The moment was all they had and it was sufficient.
Our own moments of traveling together, making wrong turns, seeing Jesus and being remarkably safe happen. We have our own epiphanies, our own stars, our own dreams. Today, we can be exceedingly grateful.
Closing Prayer
Creator God, You gave your Son to be one with us and to keep him safe until it was time for him not to be safe – at the time of his passion. We thank You for offering us this time to treasure his infancy and childhood. Together, may we grow in faith, more confident in hope and more ardent in love during this Christmas season. Amen.
