"star search"
"They were overjoyed at seeing the star." —Matthew 2:10
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. God has planned to draw some people to Jesus by your light (see Is 60:3). He will draw some people who don't know about Jesus to you, much like the magi were drawn to the star. They may not be searching for Jesus, but they will be 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 who seek you will soon seek and find Jesus (Mt 7:7).
Prayer: Father, on this Epiphany day, may "the sun of justice" rise "with its healing rays" (Mal 3:20), to lead many to Jesus.
Promise: "Upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory." —Is 60:2
Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus, "manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit; seen by the angels; preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory" (1 Tm 3:16).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2009
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