During the Angelus on the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis reflected on the Magi, who followed a star to Bethlehem. He noted that they must have been surprised to find a poor child instead of a spectacular leader.
POPE FRANCIS
'They could have protested: “How many roads and how many sacrifices, only to find a poor child?” And they did not protest. Neither were they scandalized nor disappointed. They did not complain. What did they do? They prostrated themselves.'
The Pope encouraged Christians to follow the Magi's example of humility, starting by setting aside vanity and selfishness.
POPE FRANCIS
'If we do not set aside our pretensions, if we do not set aside vanity, stubbornness, competitiveness, then we may well end up worshiping someone or something in life, but it will not be the Lord. If instead, we abandon our pretense of self-sufficiency, if we make ourselves little inside, we will then rediscover the wonder of worshiping Jesus.'
The Pope urged Christians to imitate the Magi, who kept their eyes on the star and walked.
After the Angelus, Pope Francis extended wishes of peace to Catholic and Orthodox Eastern Churches, who celebrate the Nativity on Jan. 7. And he encouraged evangelization initiatives that stem from the celebration of the Epiphany.
CT
