Pope Francis, in his Epiphany Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, drew inspiration from the Magi’s journey to encourage the faithful to seek out the Lord in three distinct ways: by lifting their eyes to the heavens, journeying on the earth, and bowing their hearts in adoration. In his profound reflections, the Pope highlighted the significance of these aspects in deepening one’s connection with God and transforming the world around them.
The Pope began by emphasizing the Magi as a symbolic representation of all people journeying in search of God. Their quest for the newborn King signifies the universal longing for divine connection, echoing the sentiments of people from all walks of life who seek the mountain of the Lord and hear the message of salvation. Pope Francis rejoiced in the revelation that, in the Babe of Bethlehem, the glory of the Lord had been unveiled to all nations, allowing everyone to witness the salvation of God.
He then invited the faithful to contemplate the Magi’s upward gaze to the heavens. The Holy Father praised their longing for the infinite, emphasizing the importance of not being self-absorbed or confined by earthly horizons. The Magi’s example serves as a key to understanding the true meaning of life – to lift one’s eyes to the heavens, to seek the light that can illuminate the purpose of existence. The Pope urged believers to fearlessly embark on a journey of friendship with the Lord, relying on His love and the light of His word as guiding stars in their lives.
Continuing his reflection, Pope Francis delved into the Magi’s journey on earth. He pointed out that the star in the heavens directed them to find God in the humble form of a child lying in a manger. The Pope emphasized that the light of Christ, given to humanity, is not merely to warm nights but to break through the dark shadows enveloping society. The Magi’s encounter with God led to a transformation in their lives, teaching us that seeking God opens the door to a greater reality and inspires positive change in the world.
The Pope stressed the importance of authentic adoration, referring to the Magi’s bowed hearts. He highlighted the significance of recognizing Jesus as God and Lord and offering oneself as the most precious gift. Pope Francis urged the faithful to emulate the Magi by raising their eyes to the heavens, setting out to seek the Lord, and bowing their hearts in adoration. In doing so, he encouraged believers to rediscover genuine adoration, acknowledging Jesus as the center of their lives.
In a broader context, Pope Francis extended the message of the Magi to the present day. He urged the faithful to find God not only in religious theories but also in everyday life, particularly in the faces of those they encounter, especially the poor. The Pope emphasized that an encounter with God should lead to a transformation of life and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
As the Mass concluded, Pope Francis continued to reflect on the Magi’s example during his Angelus reflection in St. Peter’s Square. He emphasized the importance of adoration and urged Christians to stay in awe of the coming of Christ. The Pope encouraged believers to approach life with simplicity and amazement, learning from the Magi’s example and gaining new, creative perspectives to tackle the problems of the world.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’s Epiphany message resonates as a call to action for believers to emulate the Magi’s journey. By lifting their eyes to the heavens, journeying on the earth, and bowing their hearts in adoration, the faithful are encouraged to seek the Lord, transform their lives, and make a positive impact on the world, echoing the timeless message of hope and salvation brought by the Magi to the newborn King.