Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The star is a message of hope. The “wise men” have an inner unrest, a longing for something better; they are on a look out for the true star of salvation, of truth, of goodness (Matthew 2: 1-12). In many ways they represent all those journeying toward Christ, you and I. They started a procession that continues on today. They represent not only a longing for Christ but the inner aspiration of the human spirit to reach beyond ourselves.
Pope Benedict said in his book on the infancy narratives that a lot of scientific research points to the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter at the time of the birth of Christ that may have pointed the way towards Judah. It makes sense that the cosmos should speak of Christ, and give us pointers to his coming, and his presence with the hope that he will reveal himself. The star also disturbs our comfort, as it did for all of Jerusalem and as Christ does today when we follow him closely.
King Herod is deeply disturbed and all of Jerusalem with him. He has a lot of power and yet he worries about the birth of a helpless child. We also worry and I am praying that you and I will worry less or even eliminate it. It does not have to be part of your life, and the alternative is not: I don’t care. There is a large difference between legitimate concern and worry.
To worry is to allow one’s mind to dwell on difficult or troubling future scenarios. As you can see it involves a choice. Do you give yourselves up or surrender to worry? Often people allow themselves to dwell on a difficulty and turn it over and over in their minds until they lose their peace.
Herod is concerned with being the king and is afraid of losing this position. The things that you are concerned about cause you to worry. You worry about the future, the kids, the school system, about money or your health, etc. Herod is totally devoted to his power and he has killed many whom he saw as a threat to him. News of this infant king sends him into a panic. Often the thing you worry about makes no sense.
Herod finds out from the religious leaders that this child will be born in Bethlehem and he asks the magi to return to him when they find him so he can worship them. The magi find the child and they prostrate themselves and bring him very fine gifts; this is what brings them joy. They return home by another way because they are changed by this encounter with Christ. Speaking to him changes us, helps us not to worry or be pre-occupied. Worrying can drive you crazy, make you bitter, or feel badly about yourself and your life; it encourages bad habits and keeps you up at night.
Put God first then your concerns or your worries are put in their proper context and they become smaller. God is greater than the economy or politics or your health or your grandchildren. Defeat worry by turning to God, and make him a priority. Make the first thing you do each morning is to get on your knees, or stand up, and pray, praise him, thank him for a new day. When you pray for a few minutes it changes your day, and your mood. There are some cards in the entrance of the church that can remind you not to worry and to trust in God. Take one for your car, for your desk or your kitchen counter. When you pray and put God first your worries diminish and eventually go away. Give it a try!