The Magi exemplify the merciful work of the Holy Spirit. Among countless other mercies, He can and does lead pagans, atheists, agnostics, and others, to find Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It is intrinsic to our faith in Jesus of Nazareth that we want Him to be known, loved, and followed, by the whole of mankind.
Conversion is God’s work, but He graciously allows us to play some part in preparing the ground for the action of the Holy Spirit.
Here is how we can help to prepare the ground:
- Get down on our knees in front of the Blessed Sacrament and implore the Saviour to shower His graces on all those who are not yet within the one fold of the Redeemer.
- Keep close company with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. Pray her rosary, try to imitate her virtues, and beg her intercession for all God’s children who have not yet found Christ.
- Show God’s love to those in need. Give alms. Feed the hungry. Care for the sick. Spend time with the lonely. Succour the homeless. Comfort the dying. Console the bereaved.
- Make sacrifices. The more generous we are, the greater will be the harvest.
The Magi returned to their own country ‘by another way’, wiser than they were before. Something new had happened to them and it changed them. In the most unusual of circumstances, they had received the gift of faith.
The King they found must have turned their expectations upside down. Doubtless they did not understand everything, but they were given the grace and the wisdom to worship Him.
In the Gospel for the Epiphany it is an ancient and laudable custom for all to genuflect at the words adoraverunt eum – they worshipped Him.
The repetitive liturgical gestures of the traditional Roman rite are latreutic and catechetical. They can speak more clearly than many words.
Our forms of worship and the way we pray have a direct impact on the content and consistency of our faith. As we pray, so we believe.
One day God’s harvest will be fully gathered in. On that day every knee shall bow at the most Holy Name of Jesus, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He, and no other.