SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH

THE FEAST OF EPIPHANY: Mt 2:1-12

This Sunday, we remember the Magi, who came from the East, guided by a star. This is an interesting story, which has been embellished throughout many generations. In people' imagination, the Magi became kings, being given names and countries of origin, going beyond the biblical story, where they were not kings, and nothing is said about their number; the only evident fact is that they were foreigner dignitaries who came to pay homage to Jesus. In his narrative, Matthew did not pay attention to details, concentrating on what is essential and meaningful. And so we must do the same.

They were Gentiles

They were foreigners, followers of other religion and worshippers of other god. Their story makes it very clear that God did not forget the Gentiles (all the nations who did not belong to the people of Israel) and that they are part of God's plan, having a place in his heart. In fact, they did much better than those who considered themselves privileged, because of being the chosen of God. God does not discriminate people because of their tribe, country or nation; he wants all people to be saved.

On a journey, searching for the truth

The Magi were a group of people on the move, searching for the truth, in order to find the king of peace and then rest at his feet. They were not happy with what they had and what they knew; the “status quo” did not satisfy them. They need to reach out in search of meaning for their lives and for the world we live in. In the book of Proverbs, we are told that if we "search for wisdom as for hidden treasurers", then we will "find the knowledge of God" (Prov 2:4-5). And, in Jeremiah, God says: "When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord" (Jer 29:13-14).

Nowadays, we drown ourselves in noise and dissipation, not keeping time to search deep into our hearts and find the loving presence of God or to search the world around us to discover how it sings the glory of its maker. We do economic, historical, political and scientific research, but avoid the search of the soul that puts us in front of the mystery of God, which is a mystery of life and love. The Magi may teach us that continuous search which leads to the Saviour.

Strengthened by hope

They were guided by a star. It does not matter much if it was a physical star or just the star of their ideals and longings. The fact is that there was a guiding force that pulled them out of their homes and pushed them into the unknown. In their journey, we discover a sense of purpose, the inner assurance that there is something (better someone) out there that gives meaning and sense to our lives and to human history. In the long journey, they were not deterred by difficulties and hardships, but kept moving forward, strengthened by hope.

A society without hope is a lost society, without future, quickly moving to self-destruction. Jesus is the hope of the nations; he is the guiding star, because he is the fulfillment of the Promise, and in him we find life, joy and peace.