Soul Surfing

I liked this message from Holy Cross Family Ministries

"Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising, and have come to do him homage.'" (Matthew 2:1-2)

The Epiphany of the Lord

Fr. Robert deLeon, CSC

"At a major industrial corporation, the board of directors felt it was time for a shake-up. They hired a new CEO. The new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the new CEO noticed a guy leaning against a wall. The room was full of workers, and the CEO wanted to show them that he meant business. He walked up to the guy leaning against the wall and asked, 'How much do you make a week?' A little surprised, the young man looked at him and replied, 'I make $400 a week. Why?' The CEO then handed the guy $1,600 in cash and screamed, 'Here's four weeks' pay. Now get out and don't come back!' Feeling pretty good about himself, the CEO looked around the room and asked, 'Does anyone want to tell me what that goof ball did around here?' From across the room came a voice, 'He was the pizza delivery guy from Domino's.'" (Original source unknown)

Aren't you glad you're not that CEO! And don't you wish you were the pizza delivery guy! How quickly the tables turned when the man who thought himself the rising star of the corporation actually did become a celebrity of sorts. And the kid from Dominoes who was only hoping for enough of a tip to put some gas in his car ended up the real shining light of the day. Indeed, it's what can happen when one gets a little too full of oneself. Or when one has become a legend in one's own mind.

The feast we celebrate today, Epiphany, marks the revelation that Jesus has come for all peoples of all times. Today's gospel passage tells us, "Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising, and have come to do him homage.'" (Matthew 2:1-2) When his birth occurred in Bethlehem, nearby shepherds came to adore, but with the arrival of the non-Jewish magi from the East, it became clear that this child's mission was to spread far beyond the environs of Bethlehem, far beyond the reach of Judaism. Indeed, this child had come for everyone. By the guidance of a star, the three travel-weary magi, members of the priestly class of Zoroastrianism, discovered the location of his birth. Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar had searched the stars for guidance, and by following the beam of a singular bright orb, they came to the birthplace of God's own son. And finding him, they worshipped the infant king, laying before him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Today's feast invites us to reflect upon our own life's journey. Most importantly, what is our intended destination? And are we on the road that truly leads there? Indeed, by what light do we navigate the path that leads us? Is it the same light, the guiding star, which led Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar to Bethlehem? Or are we following other lights that bring us to far darker places?

As we reflect upon our life's journey, certain people will stand out as highly influential, people who have loved us, who have provided support and guidance, who have stood by us even when we've left the right path. These people are the true stars in our lives, people bright as the beam that led the magi to Bethlehem. But there have probably also been darker lights, fallen stars, if you will, who have also had a strong pull on us, perhaps even encouraging a misstep off the path of righteousness. Today we pause on the journey to take stock of both the brighter as well as the darker lights whose guidance has led us thus far. The feast of the Epiphany invites us to be thankful for the stars who have led us closer to God and ever more wary of the darker stars that have not.

As we consider those people who have played a vital role in our lives, there's a yet more challenging question we must ask: for whom are we role models? For whom are we guiding lights? And where are we leading those trusting souls who see something bright in us? Yikes! It's terrifying even to consider the question! But truly are there people who look to us for example, for leadership, for support as they make their own way home. Indeed, there are people on the road behind us following faithfully, trusting that we are as Bethlehem-bound as those three magi who arrived weary at the birthplace of Jesus. Those following in our footsteps believe that we are in search of the very best this life can offer, something to be found only in God. This Epiphany day, we ask not only if we have been true to the right road but also if we have led others along its path.

So, aren't you glad you're not the CEO in the opening story! And don't you wish you were the pizza delivery guy! How quickly the tables turned when the man who thought himself the rising star of the corporation actually did become a celebrity of sorts. And the kid from Dominoes who was only hoping for enough of a tip to put some gas in his car ended up the real shining light. Indeed, it's what can happen when one gets a little too full of oneself. Or when one has become a legend in one's own mind.

So, be wary of those twinkling, blustering orbs that call attention to themselves. They are likely dangerous stars to follow. Rather, true stars, the ones we best allow guide us, are usually demure and even elusive, detracting attention from themselves while focusing a bright beam on the road towards home. Me? I'm going to follow the pizza guy. I think he's headed in the right direction.