The story is told of those who are wise making a journey toward a star, a radiance in the sky. They know not where their journey will take them. They believe they know who it will take them to. They journey toward an innocent child; one they think is destined to be king. Along the way, they encounter another king. In their wisdom, they know he is not innocent. They feel no radiance and do not follow him nor any of his requests. He plans death and destruction.
King Herod’s plan of death and destruction results in the murder of innocent ones. We feel his action as abhorrent and hope it is unique. Unfortunately, the murder of innocent ones persists and is planned every day. It is planned by the military, by militaries across the world; in the U.S., Russia, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, ISIS, by congressional officials who withhold food and health care, by abortion providers, prison executioners, militia, and death squads. These soldiers carry out plans for death and destruction as a routine element of their existence. They are forever devising pain, for themselves, which they may not realize, but most especially for others, even those who are innocent. The Magi, the baby Jesus whom they seek, his parents Mary and Joseph are all innocent. Innocent means ‘in’ = no, + ‘nocere’ = ‘harm’ – no harm – like Gandhi’s ‘a’ ‘himsa’ – no violence. Others plan death and destruction for them but, as innocents, the Magi, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Gandhi plan no harm in return. Innocent ones instead plan life and healing. They plan it intentionally so, radiantly so, specifically to benefit the guilty who do harm. The radiance of Bethlehems and their stables shine a transforming light onto the Jerusalems and their Temples. The radiance of Anacostias and their community centers shine a transforming light onto the D.C.s and their offices. The radiance of Catholic Workers and their soup kitchens shine a transforming light onto the Las Vegases and their plundering. The radiance of our souls shine a transforming light onto any plans for pain that surround us.
Innocent ones journey by starlight into darkness and are forever radiating healing, for others and for themselves.
Prayer: Spirit of Wisdom, keep us wise as the Magi in dealing with the Herods of this world.
Question: When will the innocent ones no longer have to carry myrrh on their journeys?
January 7, 2018 Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 Feast of the Epiphany