Are there wise men today?

This past Sunday was the feast of the Epiphany, one of my favorites in the liturgical year, celebrating when the three kings, or wise men, traversed from afar, following the star to visit the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Christians believe that the Epiphany means the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12). In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “epiphany” means: (1)  a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential  nature or meaning of something; (2) an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking; (3) an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure or a revealing scene or moment. I love this feast for several reasons: First, because it prolongs the Christmas season if only for another few days, keeping the spirit alive in our hearts before ordinary time kicks in; second, because I love everything about the word epiphany and what it stands for (I believe that if we listen to God’s still small voice, we can have epiphanies, or “light bulb moments” every single day that awaken our hearts, minds and spirits out of the numbness that daily routines and winter blahs can bring); and third, because it’s such a rich story with such an important lesson for us today: that we need to follow the star in our world today, the light of God shining down on us, guiding us to what’s important, to Christ in our lives.  All of the Bible stories ring true for us today if we only reflect on what God is saying. But sadly people forget that I think. One look at the daily political headlines reveals how little belief people have that there are any wise men (or women) today, especially in our leaders. But what about the rest of us? Are we wise enough to look to the heavens, to see the light, to follow it, to make the journey, to be open to epiphanies, to seek and find Christ? I believe we can be the wise men and women of today if only we believe we can be, if we can remain open to everyday wonder, awe, joy and love, and if we are willing to take action based on what we find each day by worshiping Him and giving our very best gifts back to Him…gifts that we already possess.  “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ^ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (Matt 2:10-11). Lord, help us to realize that you planted the seed of wisdom in each of us, and that we all can be wise men and women today if we only believe in ourselves and in You. Help us to continue to walk on this journey of life seeking Your Light, and to worship You with our finest gifts.