Following our Star

By Mai Valera

This is Mai Valera’s second time to share a reflection with us. Mai is a graduating senior from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in A.B. Economics. She is the president of the Ateneo Economics Association and is one of the nominees for the Loyola School Leadership Awards.

Hundreds of years before Jesus’ arrival, the prophet Isaiah had a wonderful vision of Jerusalem when, as he put it, “nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” The kingdom of God is described as something that is open to all His people - the three wise men weren’t Jews yet they searched far and wide to offer their gifts to the new born King. The all-embracing nature of God tells us that everyone is invited to share in this communion of love and faith. Going further, it tells us that His world is meant to be universal in such a way that his people should have equal access to the wealth and resources that He has bestowed upon us. Ironically though, we are presented with an image of Herod, who would commit himself to acts of violence to keep his power.

This obsession with power is prevalent in our society today in the form of corruption, clientelism, and unreliable service sectors. I have been given a great opportunity to go on immersion for my Theology class, and my experiences in the area have definitely changed the way I view the reality of poverty in the Philippines. The poor are presented with oppressive situations brought about by the current structures of society and they have. in the process, developed this mindset of helplessness. Quoting from my foster mother: “Mabuti na rin siguro na namatay na yung kapitbahay natin. Atleast hindi na siya maghihirap.” The status quo is definitely a far cry from God’s intended state of inclusiveness and it’s saddening that our society does not feel the urgent need to change this situation.

The three wise men followed the star and found Jesus. In the same way, if we follow the star of social justice, we will find a treasure beyond anything that the material world can give.

Gospel
Epiphany of the Lord
January 4, 2009
Mt 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.