Lord’s Day Reflection: ‘Stars, dreams & divine detours’
Vatican news
As the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany, Jenny Kraska offers her reflections on the liturgical readings of the day under the theme: “Stars, dreams and divine detours”.
By Jenny Kraska*
The Feast of Epiphany centers on the journey of the wise men, it is a celebration of light, revelation and God’s universal call to salvation. This week’s Gospel invites us to reflect on the journey of the wise men who followed a star to find the newborn King.
The Magi represent every person who seeks the truth and is willing to step out of their comfort zone to find it. Their pilgrimage reminds us that faith often begins with curiosity and the willingness to follow the signs of God’s presence. Just as the wise men encountered Christ and were transformed, we too are called to seek him, to recognize him in our lives and to be transformed by this encounter. Epiphany challenges us to open our hearts to the light of Christ, allowing it to dispel the darkness of sin and ignorance.
The wise men did not come to visit Jesus empty-handed; they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were gifts to honor Jesus and are also symbols of his identity and mission. Gold recognizes Jesus as king, incense honors his divinity and myrrh foreshadows his suffering and sacrifice for our salvation. These gifts remind us of the importance of offering the best of ourselves to Christ – not just our material treasures but the gifts of our lives, our time and our talents.
The visit of the wise men also reveals the expansive nature of God’s salvation. Although they were pagans, they were among the first to recognize and worship Christ, emphasizing that Jesus came for all men, not just a chosen few. Their inclusion challenges us to break down barriers and share the light of Christ with all, especially those who might feel isolated or far from God.
Throughout their journey, the magi were guided both by the star and by divine intervention in the form of dreams. God enabled them not only to come to Christ, but also to keep them away from the danger of Herod. This reminds us that God continues to guide those who seek Him, often through quiet moments of insight and grace. As we begin a new year, let us open our ears and hearts to listen for His voice in our lives, trusting in His guidance even as it leads us down unknown paths.
The word “Epiphany” means revelation – a moment when the truth is made visible. The festival celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the nations, symbolized by the visit of the wise men. Yet Epiphany is not simply a past event. Christ continues to reveal himself today, calling each of us to seek his light and bring it to others. This week, as we meditate on the journey of the Magi, let us be inspired to embark on our own spiritual journey, offering our gifts, listening to God’s counsel, and living as witnesses to Christ’s universal love and salvation .
Let us pray for the courage to follow the star of faith, the humility to kneel before Christ and the wisdom to recognize him as the Light of Nations.
*Executive Director, Maryland Catholic Conference
Vatican news
sc