Star of Wonder: Loretto celebrates Epiphany!
Posted on January 4, 2022, by Loretto Community
On the feast of Epiphany of the Lord, we sing “We Three Kings,” the beautiful hymn based on Matthew’s Gospel 2: 1-11. The part of the hymn everyone knows is the striking chorus that tells us all of God’s presence to those who follow the star:
O star of wonder, star of light, Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to the perfect light.
People in our time look for a Savior just as the three Magi did many long years ago. The star was a sign for them, a light leading them forward to be closer to the long-awaited Savior. Their trip was a journey of the heart, a journey that would change them forever. But what of us who must also follow the star? These winter days invite us into deeper contemplation of this season of wonder.
I Am the Way, Loretto’s Constitutions, #16, reminds us that we, too, must follow the star, because “our lives are founded on a profound act of faith in the enduring love of God and a need to share this love.”
The light of Christ has overcome the darkness, and we have a new direction: Follow Jesus, follow in faithfulness and joy, follow your heart. Reach out to those who need you. The word “Epiphany” means appearance. God appeared to us in Jesus. Because of Jesus coming we must be a continuing appearance of God’s love to those we serve. “Guide us to the perfect light.” Sing it out loud!
