The wise men are on their way to meet the baby Jesus during this season of Advent. These are not religious men. They do not belong to the class of chosen people, Israel, upon whom the Lord has looked with great favor. They know nothing of prophecies, sacrificial offerings, laws, and worship, yet they pay attention to what they do know, the things they see and touch and feel through their senses, and, because of their great fidelity to what they do know, they, in fact, are the first ones to meet the new born king. Before we scold people this holiday season for not being religious enough or for lacking the precise theological language to explain the meaning of Jesus’ birth, we can take a step back and appreciate the beauty and wonder of salvation: how the Lord plots out a journey for each and every one of us, mysteriously draws us to the truth, and invites us to respond in love to the gift of Jesus. During this Advent season, therefore, let’s contemplate the hearts of these Magi and pray for the courage to undertake our own magical trek across the desert on our way to the truth. Ave Crux, Spes Unica.
