Fwd by Trần Kim Thục
Meditation: Matthew 2:1-12
The Magi certainly weren’t the first to follow a star. Ancient mariners used stars to navigate the seas. Greeks and Persians and Egyptians saw noble stories and even future predictions in them. Poets invoked their aid in their quest for love. But this star was different. This star led wise sages from the East to a humble carpenter, his wife, and . . . the Son of God.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a bright star could lead us to Jesus? Life would be so much simpler, wouldn’t it? We hear so many different voices and see so many different paths before us—how can we ever know the right way?
Actually, God has given us something much better than a star: the Holy Spirit, the “Spirit of truth” (John 16:13). He is not just a distant star but God himself, living and active in our hearts. So let’s practice learning how to hear him.
One important way is through Scripture. More than just a set of stories and teachings, Scripture is “living and effective” (Hebrews 4:12). That means that the Spirit can take a passage that was written thousands of years ago and bring it to life for you. He can show you God’s love more deeply, give you guidance, or console you in a time of trial.
Try listening to the Spirit today. Take one of the readings from Mass, and read it slowly and prayerfully. Try to quiet the distractions in your mind, and keep your focus on Jesus. See if something from this passage speaks to you personally. If it’s a good and encouraging thought, it may well be the Holy Spirit! Remain with that thought for a while, and watch as the Spirit opens your heart to Jesus a little bit more.
Remember, the Spirit’s goal is not to tell you how to do every little task in life. Rather, he wants to help you recognize Jesus, even in the most unlikely places—just as the Magi did.
“Holy Spirit, thank you for guiding
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