The story is told about a little boy who got lost in the mall. Wanting to show that he was grown up and unafraid, he approached a guard and said, “Sir, did you see a lady going by without me?”
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Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. There is no way we could truly know and find God if He had not revealed Himself unto us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Life is not so much about we finding Him, as He finding us first. We, who once were last, have been found by Him who reaches out always, and in all ways.
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In today’s gospel (Mt. 2, 1-12), we hear of the magi from the east who came looking for the newborn king, guided by a star. The star preceded them and led them to Bethlehem where they saw the Baby Jesus, before whom they prostrated themselves, and did homage unto Him. We thank the Lord today for people who guided us, and brought us closer to God.
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We, too, can be guiding stars to God insofar as we do not become blinding stars. If we remain humble and keep on pointing not to ourselves but to our Superstar, then we can truly make Epiphany, the manifestation, the revelation of God happen again, in this our present day and time. Wanted: Guiding stars, not blinding stars, and definitely not trying-hard-superstars.
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The magi had G-O-D: Generosity, Obedience, Devotion. They were generous with their time and with their treasures. They obeyed, and went out of their way to make a journey to find God. They were dedicated to do their mission at all costs, braving dangers, deprivations, and even persecutions. We, too, insofar as we continue to be generous, obedient, and dedicated, will find God, and hopefully, lead others, too, to find and experience God.
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A lot has been said about 2020 but may I add that it was one big Epiphany for us as well. God manifested His presence amid the fears, uncertainties, seclusion, death, and deprivations we all encountered. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46, 10). Many of us finally became aware of our need for God. Most of all, we experienced His loving presence through it all.
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Epiphany goes on. This 2021 let us continue to listen and be guided as we journey deeper and closer to God’s heart. As we see the Lord more clearly, may we see also other people, especially the poor and the needy, more dearly, and see ourselves more humbly.
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Like the magi, may we too not return to our “Herods’” and not go back to our old ways. Instead, let us go by another way, and continue to make our journey to God’s heart our top priority and main agenda from now on. Our most important journey is not our financial or career journey, not our popularity or legacy journey, but our journey to God’s heart, to other people’s hearts, and to our very own hearts. Bottom line: “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
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Before Christmas we were saying “Tuloy ang Pasko (Christmas will go on).” After Christmas, we say “Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko (Christmas will still go on)!” Here’s wishing all of us 362 days filled with joy, peace, hope, and love. Let’s continue to help make Christmas happen in our hearts, in our homes, in our circle of friends, and in other people, especially the poor, the sick, the needy, and the sorrowing.
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Think about this: “What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.” (Vern McLellan)
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A moment with the Lord: Lord, may 2021 be a journey that will help us find our way to You. Amen.
jorbos@inquirer.com.ph