The Magi teach us three great lessons which must be practised by all who desire to find Jesus Christ.
The first is obedience to divine inspirations. They had no sooner perceived the star than they followed it. They did not reason, nor did they delay, nor did they consult flesh and blood. They saw, they believed, and they obeyed. God speaks to some by angels, to others by stars, to others by interior lights and movements of the heart; happy are they who follow Him without resistance.
The second lesson is perseverance. The star did not conduct them all the way to Bethlehem. It disappeared from time to time, and left them in uncertainty. They were obliged to ask their way, to suffer confusion, and even to be troubled by the presence of Herod. Yet they did not turn back. They continued on, although they were mocked and misunderstood. So it is with those who seek God: He sometimes hides Himself in order to test our fidelity.
The third lesson is humility. When the Magi found Jesus, they did not find a king in splendour, but a little Child, poor and weak, laid in a manger. Yet they adored Him. They did not stumble at His lowliness, but recognised the greatness hidden beneath it. They adored Him profoundly, acknowledging Him as their God, their King, and their Saviour.
Observe how they offer Him three gifts. Gold, because He is a King. Frankincense, because He is God. Myrrh, because He is mortal. These gifts teach us what we must offer to our Lord: the gold of charity, the incense of prayer, and the myrrh of mortification.
After having adored Jesus, the Magi returned to their country by another way. This teaches us that when we have truly found Christ, we must change our path. We must not return to our former life, nor follow the old roads of sin and vanity. Whoever has seen the light of Christ must walk in newness of life.
Let us, then, imitate the Magi. Let us be attentive to the light God gives us. Let us follow it faithfully, even when it leads us through darkness or uncertainty. Let us adore Jesus in humility, especially when He presents Himself to us under forms that humble our pride. And finally, having found Him, let us return by another way — that is, by a life changed, purified, and wholly given to God.
Amen.
