Reading the Signs like the Magi

In today’s Gospel the Magi follow signs of light (the star) and signs of warning (the dream) on their journey to Jesus.

In our own lives, God gives us those same signs to guide us on our journey to find Jesus and the joy that comes from finding Him, and to also protect ourselves against the forces of evil and harm that threaten our most abundant life in Christ.

Have you ever not heeded a clear warning sign to wind up in a troubling spot? Conversely, have you ever followed a path illumined by light or some sort of spiritual epiphany? Rest assured, God was sending you some signs that lit the way forward, whether you saw them or not.

For example, there may have been warning signs that a significant relationship was suffering, a loved one was on a path of destruction, finances weren’t going well, you needed to care for your health better to avoid a serious health problem, to avoid a particular sin, or that a job loss was coming. These are all signs and promptings intended to protect us from harm, trouble, and unnecessary suffering.

There may have been signs of light to boost your prayer life, go to Confession, visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, go on a retreat, or go on a nature walk to see God’s presence come alive. These are all signs and promptings pointing us to find more grace in our lives. Similarly, other signs of light may be forging a new relationship, feeling called to switch careers to a job that’s more lifegiving, welcoming a new child, caring for a sick loved one, doing an act of service, becoming a volunteer, and so forth. These too are signs of light that draw us closer to the life God wants for us.

In my own life, signs of light have sparked me to follow certain paths that led me closer to God. Signs of warning have sent me down paths of new direction, protecting me from harm and evil along the way.

How do you recognize the signs? By growing in wisdom like the Magi. By being attuned to how God speaks to you. By recognizing patterns. By noticing nudges of the Holy Spirit. The closer we are to God, the more we will recognize and be able to read the signs He gives us.