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When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, 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.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Reflection
How fitting that the Church’s 2025 Jubilee, with its theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” ends on today’s feast, the Epiphany.
Perhaps we could consider the Magi our models as “Pilgrims of Hope.” The term “pilgrim” is used in today’s society to describe people who embark on a transformative journey toward a sacred or spiritual destination (cf. The El Camino Santiago). Used metaphorically, it represents a time of personal growth and spiritual exploration.
Hope dominated the magi’s landscape as they followed the star until, unfortunately, they were summoned by Herod, who fabricated his story of wanting to see the King of the Jews so he could offer him homage. When the Magi left Herod’s presence, hope in the form of the star, led them to the house where they found Jesus and his parents.
Perhaps the magi’s decision to go back by “another way” was the author’s attempt to explain what occurred in the Magi once they encountered the Christ Child. Hope came to them again in the form of a dream. Because of their belief in it, they were changed enough to see through Herod’s deception and did not inform him of the Christ Child’s whereabouts.
Action
This gospel story can guide us as we begin our journey into year 2026. What “stars” shall I plan to follow in the hope of encountering Christ more fully? What needs to be transformed in me and what measures shall I take to bring such transformation about?
Sister Ann Casper, SP, retired as the executive director for Mission Advancement for the Sisters of Providence in 2018 and currently serves as minister of Providence Community Cemetery at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Sister Ann has ministered in various scholastic and administrative positions in Indiana and North Carolina. She also was a member of the Sisters of Providence leadership team, serving as General Secretary.
This speaks directly to me. I have been identifying at the beginning of this year what holds me back from my own encounters with Christ, and making changes to remove obstacles. Thank you so much for this reflection.
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This speaks directly to me. I have been identifying at the beginning of this year what holds me back from my own encounters with Christ, and making changes to remove obstacles. Thank you so much for this reflection.