A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[20] Is 60:1-6 Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matt 2:1-12

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

“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.’”

Being raised in an Italian household, the feast of the Epiphany has always been a day that we have celebrated as a family. The coming of the Wiseman with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh holds just as much significance as the actual day of Christmas! The gospel tells the story of the three great men who diligently followed a bright, sparkling star in the sky to pay homage to the newborn king. Light and adoration are two themes that run through all of today’s readings; how do these things apply to our lives today? As it has been over two thousand years since the birth of Christ, there is not a physical star for us to follow.

However, as we set goals for the New Year and refocus our energies, I think it is a question worth reflecting on: what are the stars that we follow in our daily lives? These “stars” can be little things: a goal, a person, an action, or even an idea. Maybe dedicating ourselves to follow these stars can lead us to strengthen our relationships with Christ, to praise and adore him, and to use our gifts to be a light for him in our homes, schools, work places, and communities. As we celebrate the end of this Christmas season, I am going to try my very best to keep this joy, love and energy in my heart to seek out the stars throughout the upcoming year.