An Epiphany Gift to Say Thank You to the Three Kings!

Adoration of the Magi by Giotto -- I love this!
Even the camel seems to be singing the praises of the newborn King. 

Every now and then, the English major comes out in me with a desire to write poetry. I admit, it isn't much on the scale of poetic excellence. It probably rises to a two out of ten (if that). But it gives me pleasure and I hope it pleases you as we celebrate the octave time after Epiphany. There are several different forms of the sonnet, but I focus on the English form of three four-line stanzas and a couplet.

Let Us Seek the Truth Like the Wise Men of Old!

Adoration of the Magi, Albrecht Durer 1504

Meditating on the Magi is a humbling experience. Think of the immensity of their project. It was over a thousand miles from their home in Persia to Bethlehem. As pagans, what did they know about the coming Messiah? They must have been great seekers of truth. And so they received a call from truth Himself. How else could they have the courage to even take the first step.

Welcome the Wise Men!

Velazquez, Adoration of the Magi, 1618

I love the Epiphany! What a story: signs in the sky, a long journey into the unknown to find a treasure beyond all counting, an encounter with evil along the way, and another with angels. Yes, it is an adventure to rival all adventures.

We would be wise to imitate the magi. After all, doesn't every home need wisdom? What could be wiser than to leave everything to seek Him who is the way, the truth, and the life as the magi did?

If we are wise, we will imitate them. We will use 2014 to enrich our relationship with Jesus -- to seek him every morning when we rise and every evening before we go to bed.

What lover doesn't go out of his way to try to please the beloved no matter the effort involved. Jesus longs for us, for an intimate friendship. We are children of the Father; every hair on our heads is counted. Should we not respond to such love with as great a measure as we can?

Yes indeed, wise men and women still seek Him and will until the end of time! Let's not waste the new year chasing after trash that will rust and rot. I want to choose the treasure I can take with me into the next world -- the love of Jesus, May I respond to Him and become a burning furnace of love in return!