"Epiphany" means the manifestation of Jesus to the nations through wise men and women who are missionaries for Jesus. The wise men were missionaries because they were first worshippers. "They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. Then they opened their coffers" (Mt 2:11). But before they were worshippers and missionaries, they were journeymen, pilgrims, and seekers. Until we seek the Lord, we will never find and worship Him and thereby be compelled to be His "epiphany."

We will find the Lord when we seek Him with all our hearts (Jer 29:13-14). To journey, we must take steps. Steps often called for by the Lord are committed prayer, fasting, Bible study, Mass and Confession more frequently, person-to-person evangelization, and service beyond our comfort zone. Oftentimes, we accept God's grace to seek Him with all our hearts through many painful steps.

What if we are spiritual couch potatoes? What will the Lord do to get us off the couch and on the journey to Him? Often He will utilize our love for a spouse, child, parent, or friend to propel us on a journey. We may not care much about world missions, but we do want at least certain persons to love Jesus and live forever with Him. However, it may not prove easy to lead these people to Jesus. We either quit trying or have to throw our whole lives into it. If we choose love, we will begin a long journey which leads both our loved one and ourselves to Christ.

Follow the star to Jesus, where seekers become worshippers, and worshippers become missionaries.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004