The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” The Epiphany of the Lord is a great moment in time. An amazing image for us to take into prayerful contemplation and consider God’s desire to be with us and to walk with those who made the possibility of being in God’s presence the most important event and prized possession in their lives. We must take the Epiphany to heart and into silent prayer for we can learn so much about ourselves and where our own journey is taking us. We must take a closer look at this encounter with the Divine for it offers us a valuable lesson about the hearts of people who were relentless in their pursuit to encounter the Lord. It speaks of individuals who fasted from the comforts and riches of their own life because they hungered and thirsted more for God’s life. It gives us a glimpse into the souls of individuals who desired nothing more than to adore the Lord and offer him the finest gifts we can give God; the precious gift of an undivided heart and our undivided attention. Why would these individuals with so much this world could offer—wealth, prestige, intelligence and status – leave the comfort of their homes and lands to follow a star? Why would they forego their work and businesses they worked so hard to establish which, afforded them luxury and security, to chase a dream? Why would they separate themselves from their family, friends, society and the privileges awarded them as wise men in order to validate a prophecy? Why would they risk such a long, perilous journey through unknown lands, rough terrains and hostile territories to see a child? Because they simply believed. They hoped to encounter the Christ. Their faith told them the prophecy was true. They desired more than anything to see the gift of our salvation.  What would you do to see the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God? Perhaps we can begin by desiring to spend more time with him in prayer and have a greater longing to encounter him in adoration or offer him our undivided attention and give him the gift of an undivided heart. Scripture says adoration by right belongs to the Lamb of God. It simply requires us to seek the face of God and desire to be in his presence. To silence our minds and silence our hearts and put ourselves in the presence of the Divine. To simply desire to be with God more than anything.