“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’” Mathew 2:1-5
This reflection had been on my heart since Epiphany in Crystal River, Florida.
I’ve often wondered why the three kings went to Herod, they were wise men who came across many miles seeking the new king. They knew He was to be found in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5-6). Yet, inexplicably they go to Herod. Which sets Herod off, not ending well for the children. Why go to Herod, just follow the star and go where your studies lead you – Bethlehem.
I had an epiphany of my own. How often do we look for God where we think He will or should be? I mean, the magi went to a palace, where better to seek a king? The disciples had the Messiah before them, but were looking for the army that He would lead to overthrow Rome. The disciples missed all the times Jesus told them of His coming passion and crucifixion, looking for what they expected. Judas even betrayed Jesus when he didn’t see the army forming.
How often do we look for God in the wrong places? We know where He is yet we look elsewhere. We seek to find God in lofty buildings but miss looking in the dirty, dark places the lost sheep/sinner roams. When things go bad in our lives, we wander in the dark night wondering where God is and why we can’t find Him. Yet, we fail to look right beside us. As Catholics, we know He is only as distant as the tabernacle in our church. Yet, when troubles or worries come, we fail to run to the tabernacle where Jesus is always present in the Eucharist.
We may not be like the wise men, but, we do have the answer right in front of us. Jesus is always present. He will never forsake us or leave us for even an instant. We do have to open our eyes and seek Him where He is, not where we think He should be.
The wise men, turned to Jerusalem in error but ultimately found their way and found the King for whom they searched.
When all is said and done – this reflection says, the key is never to stop seeking Jesus.