Sunday 4th January, The Epiphany

Today we remember the visit of the Wise Men or Magi to the infant Jesus and his parents. The Magi are astrologers, led to Jesus by a miraculous star. This has sometimes sat uncomfortably with commentators, for whom astrology is either a dubious pseudo-science or just downright occult.

But Matthew’s story is clear that the star the Magi follow is a sign from God, a sign that speaks to them in terms they can understand, and they literally step out in faith to follow that sign. The star’s truth – the sign of a King’s birth – leads them to The Truth, which surpasses what they thought they knew before.

So it is sometimes for us. Things which seem to be the object of our quest for truth and meaning sometimes turn out to be just steps on the journey towards a destination that is bigger and truer than we expected. And sometimes those truths in turn lead to more, greater, deeper and more meaningful discoveries.

For the Magi, where they started was less important than where they ended up. Here at the Priory we welcome many visitors, often seeking their own answers or revelations. Sometimes what brought them through the door may seem strange to us, or even to miss the point, but Matthew’s story reminds us that what matters is the opportunity for every seeker to encounter Jesus as he wants to meet them. One more step along the road we go…

Every blessing,

Roger.