Happy New Year! Today we continue our celebration of Christmas with the Feast of the Epiphany. We celebrate the arrival of the Magi bearing gifts. We also call them Kings, astrologers in some translations, and “Wise Men.”
Wise people usually do bring gifts. Who are the truly wise people you know? Some are wise in the ways of the world, and know how to get things done. Some are wise in the ways of the heart, and understand the hidden motivations that move us. Some (not many I think) are wise in the ways of the Holy Spirit and sense how God is at work in a certain situation. And perhaps there are other kinds of wisdom as well.
Do you know any wise persons? Some have the wisdom of much lived experience. Some are wise beyond their years. In any case wise people are a treasure.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to discern and see wisdom. True wisdom is not flashy, nor especially attractive. Wise people may seem odd. They may see things differently than the majority of people. Their concerns may not match the prevailing fashions.
We are blessed because we have wisdom figures here at St. Austin Parish. Many of our ministries have been successful for a long time, for many years, and those who have stayed the course in them over time have gained experience and also wisdom. They are treasures of our parish community.
Today as we celebrate the Three Wise Men of the Epiphany, let us also give thanks for the wise men and women in our midst. The best compliment we can give to them is to pay attention to them, and listen to what they have to share with us.
Happy Epiphany!
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