IN the Catholic Faith, the long Christmas celebration ends with the Feast of the Three Kings, called The Magi who searched for the biggest, brightest star that shone when Jesus was born. It is either the first Sunday of the new year or the sixth day of January depending on the tradition a place is following.
According to https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/, January 3 edition, the Magi were most likely from Persia, modern-day Iran. They were men who regularly engaged in a study of the stars. They were not Jewish but were most likely aware of the popular belief of the Jewish people that a king would be born who would save them.
It further said that these Magi were called by God to encounter the Savior of the World. Interestingly, God used something very familiar to them as an instrument of their calling: the stars. It was among their belief that when someone of great importance was born, this birth was accompanied by a new star. So when they saw this new, bright and brilliant star, they were filled with curiosity and hope. One of the most significant aspects of this story is that they responded. God called them through the use of a star, and they chose to follow this sign, embarking on a long and arduous journey.
Accordingly, the Catholic website continues, God often uses those things most familiar to us that are part of our daily life to send forth His calling. Recall, for example, that many of the Apostles were fishermen, and Jesus used their occupation to call them, making them “fishers of men.” He especially used the miraculous catch of fish to clearly indicate to them that they had a new calling.
The website emphasizes that in our own lives, God is constantly calling us to seek Him out and worship Him. He will often use some of the most ordinary parts of our lives to send forth that calling. How is He calling you? In what way is He sending you a star to follow? Many times when God speaks, we ignore His voice. We must learn from these Magi and diligently respond when He calls. We must not hesitate and must seek to daily be attentive to the ways that God invites us to deeper trust, surrender, and worship.
In conclusion, we are encouraged to reflect, today, upon God’s call in our life. Are we listening? Are we responding? Are we ready and willing to abandon all else in life to serve His holy will? Seek Him, wait on Him, and respond. Doing so will be the best decision we ever make.
This Corner hopes that we will find meaning in our lives in spite and despite all these challenges and difficulties we are experiencing for the sight of the brightest star gives us hope and sign of healing and recovery soon.