Reflection for the Vigil of Epiphany
January 7, 2012

by Elaine Fischer, OSB

We all know the story of the three wise men, inside and out. It is one of the most loved stories at Christmas time. Why is it that this story pulls on our heartstrings so much? Is it the mystery of three strange people showing up, seeking a king via a bright star? Or is it because the story tells of three men willing to humble themselves before a baby and give expensive gifts?

With all these wonderful images we carry in our hearts about the three kings and their caravan of camels, do we even allow ourselves to think that our lives could be very similar and have parallels to the three kings?

To begin with: the wise men set out on a journey after discovering a strange star. They came seeking the king that star represented. Are we not each on a profound journey, seeking our desire, seeking to live out our calling? Their traveling so far, past field and fountain, moor and mountain, could equate to our journey--not traveling over land--but a self discovery through the valleys and hills and deserts of our lives. In the gospel we hear about one specific person the wise men met on the journey: Herod. But my imagination envisions hundreds of other people who helped them on the path to the stable. It’s just like our lives; people impact us along the way. Most are wonderful and help us, but others are self-seeking like Herod, not sharing the same enthusiasm over our journeys. But we keep following the star.

At the place where the star stopped the wise men found a house that had a baby and a mother. The baby they recognized as Emmanuel. As for us, the Christ we find is a group of women, young and old, bearing Christ’s image in this very life. Our journey and call is like that of the magi: to find Christ. We are told by Benedict that Christ is among us and in each one of us. Our journey leads us not to a swaddled baby but to community and to each other.

This brings us to the best part of the magi story, their offering of humility, the offering of homage to the baby and the offering of the gifts they held most precious. We, too, must continue to follow the example of the wise men, to humble ourselves before each member of community, to lay at each other’s feet our gifts and talents, not holding anything back.

I must admit that at times this is a huge challenge. It would be much simpler to cherish a tiny little baby than a group of busy nuns. But our journey through the monastic life always leads us to each other. At times it challenges our attitudes and actions. Are we giving without holding back or complaining? Are we willing to suffer and bear patiently each others faults? Are we willing to find the positive without always turning to the negative? Are we willing to be kind and compassionate without trying to always be right?

The feast of the Epiphany is about a journey to discover Christ. Our journey to Christ is in this community and with each other. May we take time this week to ponder and be grateful for this profound journey and for each other!

© 2012 Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica
Atchison, Kansas