THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Offaly columnist advises to follow the star

Recently, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, the moment when God’s light quietly entered a fragile and fractured world. I have always loved the story of the Magi. From the very beginning, it gathers the whole world into its promise, East and West. Kings and shepherds. Wisdom and poverty. A stable instead of a palace. Strangers become pilgrims. Difference becomes communion.

The Magi follow a star, without a map, without certainty, without knowing where the journey will end and trusting only that this light is worth following. “They set out, and there ahead of them went the star…When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” (Matthew 2:9–10). The story of the Magi is one of the greatest stories of faith in all of Scripture. It teaches us to keep our eyes on Jesus, not only when the path is clear, but especially when it is not. Like the great witnesses of faith named in Hebrews chapter 11, these men trusted God without having the full picture. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) God still comes to us this way, gently, quietly, persistently and not forcing, but inviting; not overwhelming, but illuminating.

A God who chose to be beneath no one

The Epiphany reveals a truth that still unsettles and humbles us. God does not arrive in power. God arrives in vulnerability. A child laid in a feeding trough. Born among animals. Dependent on human care. A God who became one of us and who would one day die at our hands, so that no one would ever be beneath Him. “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor.”

(2 Corinthians 8:9). From that moment on, every human life became sacred such as the homeless child and family, the refugee, the elderly person alone, the stranger, the forgotten, the abandoned and even the one we struggle to love.

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The divisions we have created

It was never God who divided us. It was us. We built the walls. We named the enemies. We justified the violence. Hate. Conflict. Oppression. Discrimination. Racism. Injustice. Bombs. Bullets. Torture. Terror. Guns. War. Our world groans beneath the weight of it all. “The whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now.” (Romans 8:22). So on the recent Feast of Light, I dared to pray honestly, 'God, we need You to come again, because we cannot heal this world by ourselves.'

What star are we following?

The Magi followed a star that led them to humility, compassion, and life. And so we must ask ourselves, in this new year, "What star am I following?". In a world longing for peace, hope, love, and healing, are we following stars that lead to life, to goodness, to charity, to hope, to heaven? Or are we drawn to stars that promise comfort, control, or power, only to leave emptiness behind? Some stars shine brightly yet lead to division, fear, or despair. Some stars glitter and fade, leaving coldness in their place.

The star of Christ, however, always leads us toward life, truth, love, hope, humility and heaven. It calls us to act with compassion, to care for the vulnerable, to stand for justice, to forgive, to hope. It invites us into the transformation of our hearts and the healing of the world. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). This year, the question is not only, Which star will I follow? It is, Will I follow the Light that leads to life, goodness, charity, hope and heaven? The star we follow shapes the life we live and the lives we touch.

A tender word for a heavy time

The first months of a new year can be a very tough time for many people. Expectations are high. Resources can be stretched. The mental load can feel overwhelming. For those trying to do good in our world such as to serve, to care, to heal, to stand up for justice, it can feel even heavier. Margins are fine. Energy is low. Hope can feel fragile. If this is you, know this: You are not weak. You are not failing. You are not alone. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This is not a time for harshness toward yourself, but for gentleness, patience, hope, scripture, healing, daily Eucharist and prayer.

The hidden pain beside us

Much of the deepest suffering is unseen. We stand beside people every day who are carrying grief, anxiety, loneliness, or fear, quietly, bravely, invisibly. You cannot change how people feel about you, so, as much as possible, don’t try. Instead, live your life as best you can. Try to be happy. Pray for strength, courage, love, peace, compassion, and care. Follow your own path toward what is peaceful, loving, caring, truthful, and kind. Stay positive and kind, even when things feel like they’re falling apart. Because the truth is this, we rarely know how much someone else is hurting. We may be standing beside someone completely broken and never even know it. “Carry one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2). A kind word. A listening ear. A moment of presence. These small acts can become the star someone else has been praying for.

Beginning again — as many times as it takes

Many of us have entered this year tired. Tired of starting over. Tired of new year resolutions. Tired of hoping. Tired of holding everything together. And yet, God never tires of us. “His mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:23). Some relationships will be blessings. Others will be lessons. Never regret knowing someone. Everyone you meet teaches you something important. Some will test you. Some will care for you. Some will bring out the very best in you. Pray for the best in everyone and in everything.

Hard times are often blessings in disguise, even when we cannot yet see it. Sometimes the hardest lessons are the ones our heart, spirit, and soul need most. We have to learn to let go. Just breathe. You are strong enough to face your challenges. Wise enough to find solutions. Capable enough to do what needs to be done. Count your blessings, not your troubles. When you love what you have, you already have everything you need. There is no shame in beginning again. Re-set. Re-adjust. Re-start. Re-focus. Re-pray. As many times as it takes.

Cherishing the gift of today

Life can change in a single unfolding moment. A phone call. A diagnosis. A goodbye we were not ready for. “This is the day the Lord has made.” (Psalm 118:24). Today is where love is chosen. Today is where forgiveness begins. Today is where peace is planted. To cherish today is to cherish life itself.

Following the star and going home changed

The Magi did not change the world through power. They changed it by kneeling. By offering what they had. By allowing themselves to be changed. “They returned to their own country by another road.” (Matthew 2:12). Once you truly encounter Jesus and His Love, you cannot return the same way. Following the star of Christ transforms us and the world we touch, leading us toward life, goodness, charity, prayer and heaven, even amidst a world longing for hope, peace, and love.

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Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, gently pause and ask yourself, What star am I following? Does it lead to life, goodness, charity, hope and heaven? Am I letting it guide my actions for the healing of others and the peace of our world? Choose one intentional act this week: An act of kindness. A word of encouragement. A step toward peace. A moment of prayerful presence. Follow that star of Jesus and allow it to illuminate your heart and life. Let me leave you with one of my prayers for God's light in my life, "God of Light, You led the Magi by a star and revealed Yourself in humility and love. Our world is wounded. Our hearts are weary. We need You to come again. Take from us the stars that lead to fear, division, and destruction. Give us Your Light, the Light that leads to life, goodness, compassion and heaven. Teach us to cherish every human life. Strengthen all who are tired, discouraged, or carrying heavy burdens. Help us to follow You faithfully, even when the path is uncertain. May we become Warriors for Humanity and bearers of Your Epiphany in a world still longing for hope, peace, and love. We place this year into Your hands. Lead us by Your star. Amen."