Go and Search Diligently For the Child Jesus

In today’s Gospel, we hear a clear command given to the Magi: Go and search diligently for the child. 

All men and women who are wise know that the spiritual life is ultimately a life of continually seeking and searching. Coming to prayer each day in search of Jesus’ voice. Coming to Mass in search of His nourishment in the Body and Blood. Coming to Adoration to feel His presence. Living a life of love and service, and engaging in our parish and faith sharing groups, to find Him in others and apostolic activity.

And so it is with us, that we too, must go and search diligently for Jesus in our own lives. We must seek out His presence and His voice to be in relationship with Him and follow Him as a disciple.

But unlike the Magi, our searching and seeking never truly arrive at our final destination. We are given glimpses of Jesus along the way as we go and search, but it’s an endless journey of seeking and searching until we arrive together forever with Jesus in heaven. 

Fortunately, God gives us signs and clues along the way of where to stop to find Jesus, much like the star He gave the Magi. Maybe it’s a Scripture verse that speaks prominently to us, a homily that touches our heart, an amazing retreat day, or a family member’s words of wisdom.

The lesson on this Epiphany Sunday is that we too must go and search diligently for Jesus each and every day of our lives, using the signs along the way that God uses to point our way to Him. And the way to search for Him? Show up for daily prayer. Show up at Mass. Seek the Sacraments. Do some spiritual reading. Go on a retreat. Volunteer in your parish. Be active in your “go and search.” Don’t expect God to just show up without you doing something.

Seek and search, seek and search, again and again. Until you find that glimpse of Him. And then do it again and again.