By S. Louise Alff
Since the beginning of time, people have been drawn to the stars in the firmament. Harriet Tubman used stars to lead people to freedom. Sailors use stars for navigating the seas. Scouts use stars as their compass. Astrologers use stars to study the universe. Seekers use stars to understand the meaning of life. St. Francis used stars to glorify God.
The most famous stargazers were those St. Matthew’s Gospel introduces us to in the Infancy Narratives. Depending on the biblical translation, these stargazers were called kings, magi, or astrologers. There is no indication that there were only three nor does it indicate they were all men. Scripture does tell us that they were seeking a king to whom they wanted to pay. Their search would be rewarded with encountering the divine Messiah. There they would discover where true freedom is found, where direction and wisdom are given and where the hungers of their heart are rooted.
Two thousand years later, I, too, follow the star seeking the same desires. To find freedom from the shackles of egotism and pride. To journey on the path of truth and humility. To seek the wisdom to be gentle and kind. And, above all, to cast my eyes upon the face of Christ in all those I meet daily.
After the visitors presented their gifts, Scripture says they went home by a different route. No surprise there; I doubt any of us can “go home” the same way we came after we encounter Christ.
Why do I follow the star? I follow the star because it leads me to greater holiness, to encounters with the divine, and to the gift of beginning each day anew.
