Well into January Christians have always focused on one of the strangest stories in the New Testament: the mysterious men from the East. Somehow this story brings Christmas to our daily life. Fathers of the Church found many lessons in the pilgrimage of the Magi, lessons deeply relevant for all ages. I will use their words to direct our gaze toward what might be the central lesson.

The story has dramatic ‘chapters’ in quick succession. In the first, Magi arrive in Jerusalem and boldly pose their astounding question: Where is he born king of the Jews? Much here to ponder.
“They announce the vision and ask, they believe and enquire, as signifying those who walk by faith and desire sight.” (attributed to Augustine of Hippo)
Here is the root pattern of all authentic human life—in other words, of all willing to respond to the great drama into which we are born. The pattern is:
–We see something (or rather, we are shown something);
–We recognize there is much more to see that we cannot yet see;
–We realize we must set forth to find it, though we’re not even sure what it is we’re seeking.

So we must walk in faith because we desire sight. This is always the central paradigm of life on earth. The journey of the Magi is a somewhat bracing proclamation or reminder of this truth, and how demanding it is. It is never easy to walk by faith. The desire to see, and walking without seeing, are both painful. Sometimes very painful.

“They were ready to die for him…” (attributed to John Chrysostom) Whoever these Magi were, they couldn’t have been naïve. Walking into the capital city and asking about a newborn king is risky business, as of course the story will bear out. I would love to see the look on the faces of the perceptive Magi (they probably kept a good poker face), when Herod said, “Bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” And who knows, unless ordered to do otherwise, they might have done just that, out of a sense of justice. Obviously, these are not men who quail from danger.

In the next chapter, free from the intrigue of the great city, come the remarkable words, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” The superlatives used in describing their joy are arresting. Such again is the pattern of human life, when we walk in faith. Sometimes, great joy breaks through, a joy that can remain the underlying reality, even through very trying times.

“Men rejoice more over what they have lost than over what they possess.” (Remigius) These words remind us of the woman who sweeps her house and finds the lost coin. Here surely we have some insight into why we are called to walk in faith. Perhaps we only learn to treasure that which is hidden and must be sought. Perhaps this exceedingly great joy is only possible for those who have journeyed. Far. Long. Arduously.

What does it take to become capable of rejoicing with ‘exceedingly great joy?’ Is this not the question of all questions? And whatever exactly the answer, surely it must look something like the journey of these amazing men.

Skipping to the final chapter, or the epilogue, we have a sentence the significance of which could easily be missed. “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

“Such is true faith, it asks not the reason of any command, but obeys.” (John Chrysostom) So the journey continues! Faith endures—in both senses of the term; that is, it suffers, and it goes on. Often, we know that we must act a certain way, though we cannot see how or why it makes sense! Perhaps this is the most trying aspect of the call to walk in faith. And the Magi responded without question.

Whenever we must walk without seeing, it is precisely so that we can learn to see. Better. And to become more capable of exceedingly great joy. But it is journey, often long.

These serene, courageous men emerge from the mists and disappear just as quickly back into them. “But their earnestness and perseverance to see the Babe was for our profit.” (Leo the Great) Much reason for gratitude we have in these encouraging witnesses and surely also joyful patrons, as we tread our own way. ~ ~ ~

OUR LATEST PODCAST IS HERE, a discussion of our POWER TO MAKE OTHERS HAPPY, especially in our home, based in the wonderful story of Scrooge’s Dance in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

A quick reflection on the GIFT OF SNOW: