Happy New Year!
2024... here we go! A time for resolutions, goals, and as this Sunday's Gospel reminds us, a time, like the Three Kings, to follow the path to Jesus.
"They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11).
My wife and I were blessed to visit her family in Puerto Rico this Christmas. They have a rich culture and love for the Three Kings. Every house had statues of them, murals were painted on buildings depicting the Kings on horseback. Even the local mall had a photo station where you could take a picture with.... the Three Kings!
In such a setting, you can't help but appreciate and reflect on the role the Three Kings can play in our faith journey.
The Humility of God and the Honor of the Kings
The birth of Jesus is the greatest example of humility ever found in existence. God, all-powerful, humbled himself to be born fully human in a lowly cave. And in His humility is found the greatest strength of love.
We then find the royalty of the world, the kings, seeking to find this baby and honor him, prostrating before him and offering gifts.
The Kings studied the stars and found the bright star that signified the birth of a great Messiah. They didn't follow a star zooming through the sky. But through their knowledge, found the bright star above the place they had traveled to: Bethlehem, confirming they were at the right place.
Following the Star: How to Find Jesus in Our Lives
In our lives, we can take inspiration from the Three Kings. They were open to follow the path that led to our Lord. We too can be open to the journey of life God is asking us to take. What are the bright stars in our lives that help us to know God is present in our midst? What gifts can we offer to our Lord when we see him?
Visiting Jesus: How to Encounter Him in the Church and in Prayer
Take time to visit your nearest Catholic Church and present yourself to the Child Jesus, whether in front of the Nativity or in front of His Eucharistic Presence in the Tabernacle. As you present yourself, ask His blessing upon you and your family to stay on the path with him.
This season is a wonderful time of reflection, with the new year and amidst the Christmas season. Like the Three Kings, let us be open for the bright stars of our lives that bring us closer and closer to our Lord.
Daniel Quintero is a stand-up comedian currently attending Mary, Mother of the Church Catholic Parish. His favorite motto: “Awkwardness does not exist.”
Answering Christ’s call, Pilgrim Center of Hope guides people to encounter Him so as to live in hope, as pilgrims in daily life. See what’s happening & let us journey with you! Visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org.
