The Star of Faith

There was a time in history when protestant scholars wanted to search for the historical Jesus in the Bible. For them, it was important to prove that Jesus was a historical figure and see his exact words.

They accused the early Church of making up words and images of Jesus according to their own perception of Him. In short, these scholars did not believe that the Jesus presented in the Gospels is the real Jesus but an appropriation or an invention of the early Church.

They tried to eliminate words and figures of Jesus which they thought were assumptions of the primitive Church. The result was a dissected and ambiguous Jesus. For them He was merely a liberation worker, a prophet, a wise man, an enlightened man,and a mere human being with special wisdom.

They rejected that Jesus is the Son of God and that his sonship was a merely by knowledge. The primitive Church believed that Jesus is the Son of God and its inclusion in the biblical narrative is an intervention by the members of the early Church.

What can we learn from their search for Jesus?

We will not find Jesus when we search only for what the eyes could perceive. When our concern is limited to physical, temporal, material [or historical] satisfaction of our longing to know or hold Jesus by our finite understanding, the more he becomes hidden. We could only find him with the eyes of faith.

When we are interested only for what can benefit us, [e.g for our prayers to be answered or for our needs and wants be granted], we will never find him. However, if our purpose for our search is for relationship with him, there we could find him.

When we search for Jesus outside the guidance of the Star which is the faith, we will be led inwards into our projections as our search is leading us to confront our extreme neediness. After all, it might not be Jesus whom we are looking for but rather solutions to our problems.

Despite being wise men, the Magi opted to be guided by a higher voice -a Star- to arrive at the place where Jesus was. The star is the faith. They were able to recognize the star because they left behind their neediness, their inner most longings, and their passion to know by naked sight alone.

The Magi found their way home as they abandoned their agenda at the feet of Jesus in the forms of frankincense, gold, and myrrhand allowed themselves to be absorbed by the moment of pure encounter, pure faith, and pure joy.

When we come to Mass everyday, do bear in mind that our goal is to grow in faith and not simply to ask for blessings. A strong and healthy faith will prepare us for the blessings we need.