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A pilgrim’s message from the Magi

One of the local Christian traditions or practices that played out on New Year’s Day was to find oneself in church to thank God Almighty for surviving another year and look forward to all the new year brings.

While midnight Masses may no longer be common because of our crime scourge, evening and night Masses continue to be celebrated and are usually packed, with some churches catering for the overflow with extra seating.

For some attendees it may be a New Year’s resolution, to commit to more frequent church attendance, a good habit to develop at any time since God is always calling us, as the local hymn says, to return to Him. His door is always open and welcoming.

On this first Sunday of the new year, we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The Magi’s journey to find Jesus, according to Matthew’s Gospel, reflects several relevant themes for today’s society, particularly in these early days of this Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis, to focus on hope and prayer.

The wise men’s reliance on astronomy and scientific knowledge to locate Jesus parallels modern humanity’s pursuit of truth through both scientific and spiritual means. Just as they integrated celestial observation with prophetic wisdom, today’s Catholics are called to harmonise faith with reason and scientific understanding.

Their journey from the East represents contemporary global interconnectedness. The Catholic Church today serves as a universal body crossing cultural and national boundaries, much like how the Magi– likely Persian or Babylonian scholars–crossed borders to worship a Jewish king.

The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh speak to modern materialism and sacrifice. Gold symbolises wealth and power– prevalent concerns in today’s consumer society. Frankincense, used in worship, reminds us of the need for prayer and spiritual practice amidst busy modern lives. Myrrh, an embalming oil, foreshadowed Christ’s death and calls us to confront mortality in an age often focused on youth and immortality projects.

Herod’s hostile reaction mirrors contemporary power structures that feel threatened by authentic spiritual movements. His deceptive attempt to co-opt the Magi’s quest reflects modern attempts to commercialise or politically manipulate religious meaning.

The Magi’s decision to “return by another way” after being warned in a dream demonstrates moral courage in defying authority when it conflicts with divine guidance. This resonates with current challenges Catholics face in navigating between civic duties and religious conscience.

During this Jubilee Year, the story particularly emphasises hope and divine mercy–central themes Pope Francis has highlighted. The star represents hope guiding humanity through darkness, while the Magi’s acceptance as foreigners demonstrates God’s universal mercy.

Their journey also models religious pilgrimage–a practice the Church especially encourages during Jubilee years. Modern pilgrims still seek transformation through sacred travel, though often incorporating contemporary modes of transport and communication.

The Magi’s collaborative journey reminds us that faith flourishes in community. In an era of increasing isolation and digital mediation, their example encourages Christians to seek physical presence in worship and shared spiritual pursuit.

This ancient narrative thus provides a framework for examining contemporary challenges around globalisation, materialism, political power, and authentic spiritual seeking.

During this Jubilee Year, it calls Catholics to remain hope-filled while navigating modern complexity with wisdom and moral courage. We will all need it in 2025. Happy New Year.