This Sunday, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. On this day, we focus on the Wise Men, the Magi, who were on a difficult journey of faith to encounter the Lord. Progressing in faith, the Magi faced many risks and obstacles on their journey. These risks and obstacles included the danger inherent in traveling on a difficult and arduous journey. The Magi probably battled the hot, blazing sun by day and the freezing cold at night. They were probably, at times, hungry, frustrated, and tempted to turn back. Yet, they persevered on their journey to encounter Christ.
As we reflect on their journey of faith, we realize that, like the Wise Men, we also are on a difficult journey of faith to encounter the Lord, and we also face many obstacles. These obstacles come in the form of temptations that can easily lead us away from the Lord. Such temptations may be very real and very powerful. For example, we may encounter friends, co-workers, and even loved ones who subject us to ridicule because we dare to search for a place for the Lord in our lives. In addition, in this increasingly secular society, we may encounter those who do not want us to include a place for the Lord in our marriages, in our homes, or in our schools.
We may also have to deal with our own spiritual complacency. Pope Leo has encouraged the faithful to strive to focus on the ways of the Lord as we begin this New Year. This desire for a more spiritual focus in our lives is reflected in the following prayer, “Put God First” provided by the media outlet, “The Graceful Chapter”:
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for all that you do for me.
Thank you for the opportunity to see a new year.
Forgive me for all the times that I forgot to seek you first and did things my own way.
This year, help me to put you first in everything I do.
Remind me each and every day that I need you in my life.
Help me to love and desire you above all things.
As I step into the new year, I pray that you will be my guide and my protector.
Give me the strength and courage for the new year.
And direct me in all that I do. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer as we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, and as the New Year progresses, we are encouraged to strive to further encounter the Lord in some profound and personal way.