What Are You Seeking?
Pastor’s Column
Epiphany
January 8, 2012
It occurs to me that it is not just the wise men that are on a journey, a mission in search of a goal, a star they see in the east; no, we are all seeking something in life. There is an old expression that comes to mind: be careful what you wish for, because you may get it! Everyone on earth is actually a traveler and a seeker whether we realize it or not. We are all journeying through time, from birth to eternity. Some are seeking meaning in life, happiness, security, companionship, success. Others seek sin, selfishness, and their own best interests at the expense of others. Some seek to give their lives to make others happy, whether it be family, co-workers or strangers. What are you seeking?
The gospel for the Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12) is full of seekers! Let’s see who they are. The wise men are seeking the newborn king of the Jews. They want to do him homage and bring him gifts. Herod is also seeking something – to kill Jesus – because he does not understand that Jesus is not a threat to him. Herod is in reality -- seeking himself.
As Our Lord once said, when we lose our lives for his sake we discover who we really are, but when we seek only ourselves we bring ourselves to ruin. While most of us are not seeking to kill anyone (although we may do so at times with our words), we are often quite selfish in our choices with God and others.
The wise men are true pilgrims: they can teach us how to live a life pleasing to God! When they find Jesus, what do they offer him? First, humility: they prostrate themselves in front of a small child in Bethlehem! Next, they offer him something very precious: gold. Gold represents that which costs us something; theirs is no cheap or unthinking gift to Jesus. Then, they offer frankincense: we do this when we offer sincere prayers to God at Mass, in adoration, at home, and on the go. Finally, myrrhis offered:this is for Christ’s burial, and it represents the times we sacrificed ourselves for someone we love, or for a stranger in need, or for God. Be careful for what you seek, for you may get it in the end.
Father Gary