Today we celebrate the Epiphany of The Lord and hear Matthew’s telling of the Magi and their journey from the East into Jerusalem in search of baby Jesus. We are reminded of King Herod’s plot to use the Magi to lure his men to Jesus only to be foiled by God’s plan as the Magi were warned not to return to Herod and subsequently, Joseph was warned to take the child to Egypt as we heard in last week’s Gospel.

   The one thing about hearing this version or any version of the Three Kings story is that there are few real details about what actually took place. Despite how Hollywood might depict kings in their movies, one would imagine that being a king was a demanding responsibility and their absence would impose great risk as they were the arbiters of security for their people. Despite this, the three dropped everything, somehow united together and traveled a great distance having no idea where they were going to pay homage to the “newborn King of the Jews.” (MT 2:2) Let us take a moment and try to reflect on this. What words come to mind when we think of their actions? Faith, Obedience, Thanksgiving and Sacrifice come to mind. They were kings who simply dropped their busy schedules to pay homage to a child that only a few humans even knew existed. Their obedience and incredible trust and faith in God led them to give so much of themselves in their offering of gratitude to Him. Today, many of us find it difficult to fit even one hour a week into our schedule. Today, many of us struggle to give back to God even the smallest percentage of what He has so graciously blessed us with.

   Let us not overlook this incredible act by three human beings without reflecting on our own Faith and Obedience. Just as the Magi, let us consider our own Sacrifice in offering of Thanksgiving in this coming year.  Happy New Year and may God’s Blessings continue to be upon you!