In this
week’s Gospel passage, we are presented with the story of the Magi; wise men,
we are told, traveling from “the East.”
Unlike the Scribes
who had the benefit of books, who knew how to map the coordinates, and did not
hesitate when Herod asked where the baby King would be born, the Magi were
foreigners. They had pilgrim hearts and the courage it takes to walk towards
the light they had been studying. The
truth was shared with the Scribes but they didn’t have what the journey
requires... a steadfast desire for more. The Magi were seekers... they
recognized the invitation in the bright star and wanted to pursue what it
offered.
As we
navigate our cities, shops, workplaces, and homes this week, let’s consider
three things we find in the movement of the Magi towards Bethlehem...
First, these
wise men originally went to Jerusalem because something so great surely must be
happening in a place of power and prestige; they were wrong. This kind of King is found in the eyes and
laughter of children, in the love relationships we hold dear, in the integrity
of our lives, in the muck and challenge of our humanity. Our journey to find the baby brings us back
to where we already are with eyes and heart anew... seek Him there!
Second, the
Magi brought the best they had to offer; gold, frankincence, and myrrh.
· Gold was the appropriate gift for a
King. It represents the best of our work and influence. When we are at the peak of our performance,
we must pause and offer this back to the One who it truly belongs to.
· Frankincense is used in churches and
temples. As the smoke rises and the
aroma fills the space, we can think of this as representation of our interior
lives; it’s the aroma of our character as followers of the Christ. Let’s
challenge ourselves to bring the scent of our spiritual lives out into the
open. As men, we are often uncomfortable
in the vulnerability required to allow this part of ourselves to rise up as the
gift it is intended to be in this world filled with such longing for witnesses
to the Gospel.
· Myrrh, an embalming ointment, and a
strange gift for a baby. Let’s consider
this as representing where we are vulnerable and wounded. It’s the grief and sorrow we carry over bad
decisions and broken relationships. Here
is where we are invited to lay ourselves bear before the King, acknowledging
that we are tired, hurting, unsure, scared, and in need.
We offer
these gifts not because the Savior, Messiah, King, the Christ needs them but
because WE NEED TO LET THEM GO.
And, lastly,
after offering these gifts of our most intimate and imperfect selves, we do as
the Magi and return home “another way.” A true encounter of the Christ and handing
over who we are to His loving embrace... and if, no – WHEN we feel ourselves
slipping back to old habits, anger, isolation, we recall the journey of the
Magi and pivot towards the Light.
~Ignar, the
Pilgrim Prophet
