The star and a terrific model for evangelization

I was reading something a few days ago, it was in fact on Saturday, Jan. 4 and what I read had to do with the Epiphany. The reading made me start thinking about the star that lead the Magi to the Christ Child. I would like to share some reflections about that star, because it is a terrific model for evangelization.
Scripture is all but silent about the star; kind of like it is pretty silent about St. Joseph. The star is only mentioned in Matthew’s Gospel, and even there very sparingly. Chapter 2 verse 2 tells us that the Magi came looking for the new king because they saw His star at its rising. Then in verse 9 we are told that the star proceeded the Magi until it came to rest over the place where the child was. Not a lot there. Or is there?
As disciples of Jesus we are called to evangelize, to share the joyful news that God has entered into our fallen, darkened conditioned and set us free. He has reconciled us to Himself. How do we share this good news? I propose we emulate the star. The star did not say anything; it was silent, but its rising was noticed. The light it gave to the world made a difference in people’s lives. It was so beautiful and unusual that luminaries from the east noticed it and were compelled to follow it. Maybe we should silently let God’s light shine through us so as to attract our brothers and sisters to that light.
But please notice that the star meets each person where they are. The Magi saw it from the east. Pope Francis continually urges us to go to the periphery and bring the Gospel to people there. The star did that, but the star also inexorably led these people to Christ. The star did not just share the light; the star led people to the source of the light. That is precisely what we are called to do.
— Pat Arensberg is the Director of the Office for Evangelization and Family Life. Email him at [email protected]
For more information concerning the events of this office, visit us at mobilefaithformation.org