Priesthood is My Star

Sometimes, though not always, on the Feast of Epiphany, I like to share something very personal that the story elicits in me. This year, I want to use it as an example of how we can Be More of the people God is calling us to be.

My prayer with this passage from Matthew begins with some historical facts about the world at the time of Jesus’ birth. He was born in Bethlehem, and Herod was the King of the surrounding area. In the midst of this, BEHOLD, interesting characters come from the east on a star-led adventure. I call them interesting because they have different titles – Magi, Kings, Wise Men, even Charlatans or Soothsayers. Whoever they are, it is clear that they know something about the stars, and one special star both indicates something new and guides them.

Beholding in the midst of facts and interesting things in life encourages us to take a deeper look where the MORE of life often abides.

These travelers, pilgrims if you will, are not all from the exact same region. They notice the star independently, and as they begin their adventure, their separate travels bring them together. Undoubtedly, the trip was a lengthy one. They rode camels, not the speediest form of transportation, but adequate, dependable and steady. They traversed the ups and downs of life’s landscape as they traveled. They did not fly or drive.

I imagine that as they stopped along the way they discussed the star’s meaning. I fantasize that they lay on their backs at night, gazing at the stars in wonder, sharing their story and how their fascination with astronomy came about.

They did not travel alone; the fascination of the star brought them together. They held gifts to give away, gifts that represented natural resources of the areas that they were from, and if they were Kings, they were giving kingly gifts to a new King. If they were more wise men, they were giving gifts that were extensions of the wisdom they were endowed with.

When they approached the actual destination or place where the star was leading them, they got off track. They assumed that Jerusalem was their destination. We all know that assuming can get us off track. Arriving in Jerusalem, they announced to the very insecure King that they were looking for a new King. This upsets King Herod, and he asks to know the exact location of this new king so he can destroy him. He lies to the Magi.

It is finally determined that the star was leading to tiny Bethlehem, five and a half miles away.

As they continued their adventure, along the terrain of the land, they did not travel alone; they traveled with others, they held gifts in their hands, and they kept their eye on the star. As much as they revered astrology and the stars, somehow, they never confused the star with its purpose; somehow, they differentiated the star from the destination. The star led them to their/our savior, and when they arrived, they gave their gifts away.  

I have used this image and passage in talks that I have given locally, nationally, and internationally because I hope that it elicits a significant question: WHAT IS YOUR STAR? What do you journey towards, with others? What guides you and encourages you to give your talent, your giftedness, your treasures away? What leads you to our savior?

I have gotten many interesting answers to the question, including music, law, medicine, family, my grandmother, my spouse. Some say, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  Some say, “I haven’t found my star.”

My star is priesthood.  It has stopped over Holy Family. I journey with all of you. It guides me to my savior, and it encourages me to give my gifts away. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for the great, fascinating, grace-filled adventure, and for traveling with me.

Kindness is a Star

Under the umbrella of Being More we are beginning an initiative encouraging all of us to Be More Kind. Our beloved Friar Johnpaul Cafiero will kick this initiative off as he presides at ALL Masses the weekend of January 31 and February 1, emphasizing the importance of kindness in his extended homilies and giving us more details. This KINDNESS Initiative will also coincide nicely with the staples of Lent, always calling us to be more reflective, but connecting kindness with charity

Kindness will be a star that can guide us here at Holy Family, particularly during Lent. We want to emphasize the need for kindness in our world, which has seen increased hate, disrespect, and division.

Let us all be led by the star of kindness and simply BE MORE KIND!