The magi were likely not religious people; they were secular astrologers (Mt 2:1). In the course of their work, they saw a wondrous sign: a new star rising in the west. To them, the star revealed the birth of the future king of the Jews (Mt 2:2). They were not necessarily searching for the Lord God; they were following the star which had drawn them to greet the new King.

No one can come to Jesus unless drawn by the Father (Jn 6:44). God uses many means to draw people to Jesus. Some men are initially drawn to Jesus by a God-fearing young woman. Some people are only drawn to Jesus by their own children or grandchildren. Some are drawn by a Christian athlete or entertainer; others are drawn to Jesus by a Christian they respect. "What of it? All that matters is that in any and every way" people are drawn to Jesus (Phil 1:18).

You are the light of the world (Mt 5:14), and thus you are a star which draws people to Jesus. There are some people that God has planned to draw to Jesus by your light (see Is 60:3). Some people who don't know about Jesus will be drawn to you, much like the magi were drawn to the star. They may not be searching for Jesus, but they are searching you out. May you "shine like the stars in the sky" (Phil 2:15) and reflect the glory of God so that these searchers will seek and find Jesus (Mt 7:7).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 19, 2005

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