The star disappeared when they came near to Jerusalem. Deprived of this heavenly guide, their consolation until then, what were they to do? They were not discouraged; but proceeded to the city.
On King Herod’s advice, they consulted the doctors of the law to learn where the Messiah should be born. On being told it would be Bethlehem, they immediately took the road that leads to it.
God treats his faithful servants as He did the Magi. He gives them light and consolation. Or He withdraws these leaving them alone in a sort of dark night, to try them and to purify their faith and their love. What must we do then?
Let us imitate the holy Kings and lay aside all discouragement. Adore the designs of God; relax none of our duties and pious practices. Waiting for the light to return, seek with humility and docility the advice of our directors.
God immediately rewarded the humble confidence and docility of the Magi. They had scarcely left Jerusalem when the star reappeared; “... they rejoiced with exceeding great joy; and it went before them until it came and stood over where the Child was” (Mt 2:9-10).
Such is and always will be what diverse trials God gives us bring provided we imitate the fidelity and constancy of the holy Kings. But we are often unfaithful and inconstant! Instead of persevering in our resolve and going to our spiritual directors, we run to creatures for consolation!
The Magi must have been surprised to find a deserted stable beneath the star. Inside was a little Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, on a little straw in a manger, with His Mother (just like any ordinary woman), a craftsman, and some poor shepherds. What a test of their faith!
How can this Child be the promised King of Israel, the Saviour of mankind? It was enough to wound their pride and be discouraged; but the Magi were humble. God manifests Himself and ‘gives grace to the humble’.
Suddenly grace enlightens them. They understand the great mystery of the voluntary humiliations of the Saviour God. They adore Him, and their souls flooded with great delight. The stable is changed for them into paradise.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp19-21
On our being children of God
Divine sonship is the foundation of true freedom amidst every kind of oppression, especially in striving to dominate our evil inclinations (cf Rom 6:12-3); the firm anchor of peace and joy. The Christian finds in God the fatherly affection and confidence for an always uncertain future.
Our being children of God leads us to respect other people, who are God’s children, too. Our Lady invites us to come beside the crib and look at her Son. We will be good children of our Father God by being close to Jesus. We ask her for a behaviour to equal this supreme dignity.
We also beg Our Lady to help us never to forget, whatever our status, that we are really and truly children of God. “And if children, then heirs: heirs of God and fellow-heirs with God.” (Rom 8:17)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:295-6
Mary makes us feel brothers
Selfish personal problems will find no place in our mind. Mary brings us to Jesus, and Jesus is “the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom 8:29). And so, if we know Jesus, we realize that we can live only by giving ourselves to the service of others. A Christian can’t be caught up in personal problems; he must be concerned about the universal Church and the salvation of all souls.
Concern with one’s own spiritual improvement is not really a personal thing, for sanctification is completely bound up with apostolate. ...
Ref: Cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 145
On the value of Time
‘Time is as precious as heaven.’ (St Bernard) How true! Without the trials of time no one will reach heaven, the eternal reward for a good use of time which can depend upon an instant well employed.
Witness the good thief -- his life had been bad. Near death, but enlightened by grace, humbly realized his sins, and implored mercy. At once, Jesus said, ‘... today you will be with Me in Paradise’ (Lk 23:43). And all he asked is to be remembered!
‘Time is as precious as the Blood of Jesus Christ’, adds St Bernard, because one timely good action can merit before God only for redemption which was bought with his Blood. ‘A single drop of that Blood would suffice to redeem the world.’ (St Thomas) He bestows His gifts and graces in torrents, but time He gives only tick by tick. And how people waste time on trifles! They study how to offend God and court eternal misery.
Jesus Christ assures us that time lost, insignificant it may be, will be noticed: “I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it on the Day of Judgment.” (Mt 12:35)
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp10-12
The Time of Truth
“Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Lk 14:27)
So it is a time of deep truth, truth which converts, restores hope, puts everything in its place, reconciles and lets optimism arise.
It is a time which makes us think about our relations with ‘Our Father’. A time which re-establishes the order that ought to reign among brothers and sisters.
A time which makes us responsible for one another and frees us from our egoisms, our pettinesses, our meannesses, our pride. A time which enlightens us and lets us understand better that we also must serve, like Christ. ...
A time of Truth. Like the Good Samaritan, it makes us halt on the way and recognize our brother, put our time and goods at his service in daily sharing. The Good Samaritan is the Church!
The Good Samaritan is each of us! Through vocation! Through duty! The Good Samaritan lives charity.
And this is our responsibility! We are called to others, to our brethren.
Where is our love in it? Where is our Truth?
Ref: Cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp110-11
• Our Lady of Abundance or Prosperity, Cursi, Italy (1641). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady of Abundance / Prosperity. Cursi, Italy. 1641. Appears in “Remember the Alamo”, by Amelia Barr. Titles are frequently applied to Isis, mother, goddess, etc. ["On this day in 1606, a paralytic man is said to have been miraculously cured in the Church of Our Lady of Sichem, in Brabant. (Justus Lipsius, History of Sichem, chap 24)"] (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• On this day, in the year 1606, a paralytic man is said to have been miraculously cared in the Church of Our Lady of Sichem, in Brabant. (Bethlehem Observer Historical Calendar)
• Miracles of Our Lady of Sichem. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
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