As we approach the Feast of the Epiphany we are offering daily reflections on the journey of the wise men. Today we reflect on gifts.
As we begin the reflection we pause quietly for a few moments before beginning and choose a simple phrase to help us focus and be still. This could perhaps be ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ or ‘I welcome peace’. Repeat the words slowly and gently in the quiet.
Reading: When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2.10-11)
Reflection: The wise men each had their own particular gift to give. We have our gifts. What is our particular gift to give in our life? The act of the wise men in giving invites us to consider our possibilities for giving and generosity. Rather than think about what we lack, let us focus on the gifts and abilities we have. The wise men ‘opened their treasures’ with kindness and joy they gave what they had.
Prayer: The painting above, like many representations of the Magi giving gifts, includes an elderly wise man, and a younger one, and one of a different culture or race. Our gifts and abilities take many forms. Consider you gifts, your abilities to do good, your ability to encourage and change, no matter how small, and pray for blessing of them. ‘You have given me many gifts, bless me as I use them.’
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