Key words and phrases: Where is the newborn king of the Jews, saw his star, search diligently, saw the child

To the point: Arriving in Jerusalem, the magi ask a critical question: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” This is the burning question that prompted them to follow a distant star to a distant place. What planted this burning question in their hearts surely was some wisdom that their lives were not complete. Their journey to find the Infant was long and convoluted, yet guided by heavenly light. We, too, will find Christ if we search. We, too, will be led by God’s light. We, too, will be satisfied with Fullness of life.

Connecting the Gospel ...

... to the first reading: For Isaiah the “light [which] has come” to Jerusalem is God’s glory. The story of the magi in the Gospel reveals that the light is Christ himself, manifested to all nations.

... to experience: We tend to rely on logic when setting a direction for our lives, for example, when choosing a spouse, a profession, a neighborhood, or a school. From the magi we learn that life-directing choices must also be guided by unexpected in-breakings of wisdom that come from sudden light, the counsel of others, inspiration, insight, dreams.