The homily today was quite short, but was still powerful nonetheless. Our deacon quoted a bumper sticker with a phrase that was quite appropriate for Epiphany: "Wise men and women still seek Jesus." It always seemed so easy to me. Those wise men simply followed a bright star (as depicted in so many painting) to where Jesus could be found. Yet having looked at the heavens, it would take a great deal of dedication to notice a new star in the sky, not to mention a great deal of learning to be able to "follow" it. These were people who set aside all of life's normal demands and took a journey of faith through some of the most deserted territory in the world.
We, the wise men and women of the world, are still called to follow Jesus. Sometimes it means setting aside the demands of daily life to do so. The journey is not an easy one; often we have to travel through periods of desolation and emptiness, sometimes through hostile territory, but the destination is worth the effort. Let us bring our gifts to the Lord.