The story of the Magi and the star that led them to the Child Jesus can provide a number of beautiful reflections. Pope Benedict XVI used the biblical event to reflect on how the saints are meant to be stars for us, pointing the way to Jesus Christ.
He explained his thoughts in a homily for Epiphany in 2013.
The Wise Men followed the star, and thus came to Jesus, to the great Light which enlightens everyone coming into this world (cf. Jn 1:9). As pilgrims of faith, the Wise Men themselves became stars shining in the firmament of history and they show us the way. The saints are God’s true constellations, which light up the nights of this world, serving as our guides. Saint Paul, in his Letter to the Philippians, told his faithful that they must shine like stars in the world (cf. 2:15).
Not only are the saints, “God’s constellations,” but we too are called to be lights in the world.
Dear friends, this holds true for us, too … If you live with Christ, bound to him anew in this sacrament, then you too will become wise men. Then you will become stars which go before men and women, pointing out to them the right path in life. All of us here are now praying for you, that the Lord may fill you with the light of faith and love. That that restlessness of God for man may seize you, so that all may experience his closeness and receive the gift of his joy.
As we reflect on the story of the Magi, may we renew our own call to holiness and look to the saints, following their lead to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
