Along the Journey with the Magi: Reflections on Epiphany and the Pursuit of Truth

Unless otherwise indicated, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany on January 6th, a feast rooted in the Gospel of Matthew's account of the Magi from the East. 1 Tradition holds that these three travelers were astrologers, seekers of truth who interpreted celestial signs and followed a star to Jerusalem. Their journey culminated in a profound moment of homage to the Christ Child, whom they recognized as King, God, and Man, as reflected in the symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Saint John Chrysostom, in his homily for this feast, captures the profound significance of their offerings: “For by gold the power of a king is signified, by frankincense the honor of God, by myrrh the burial of the body; and accordingly they offer Him gold as King, frankincense as God, myrrh as Man.”2

Yet, the story of the Magi transcends their gifts and destination. Their journey itself embodies the human longing for meaning, truth, and the divine. Inspired by a celestial light, they embarked on a pilgrimage that reflected their unwavering hope and faith in something greater—a Ruler whose arrival would transform the world.

When they reached Bethlehem, their joy overflowed as they found not just a star, but its fulfillment: the Word made flesh. Their journey reminds us that the pursuit of truth often leads to profound encounters that change us forever.

Lead Me, Lord: A Personal Journey in Faith and Philosophy

I am neither from the Orient, nor an astrologer, nor a king. Yet, like the Magi, I have felt the pull of a divine light guiding me toward deeper truth. My riches are my love for God and His Church, which inspired me to seek a stronger foundation for my faith. This quest led me to study at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in California.

Yet after years of study and discernment, the yearning for deeper truth remained. In 2021, I discovered St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry—a place that finally satisfied this deep longing. Like the Magi arriving in Bethlehem, I was overjoyed when I began my studies here.

St. Bernard’s is more than a school: it is a beacon for those who seek truth within the Catholic intellectual tradition. Its online format, accreditation, and fidelity to the Magisterium make it a unique institution for anyone longing to deepen their faith. For me, the Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy program has been a transformative journey. Through the writings of the Church’s doctors, saints, and scholars, I have begun to glimpse the dynamic beauty of the world and the profound richness of Catholic thought.

This program demands not only intellectual rigor, but also a steadfast love for the truth. It has humbled me, showing that I remain an infant in the vast realm of philosophy. Yet, much like the Magi, this encounter has changed me, revealing new paths to understanding and deepening my love for God.

The Catholic Intellectual Tradition: A Journey of Transformation

What sets St. Bernard’s apart is its commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition, a heritage that invites students to explore the profound interconnectedness of faith and reason. This tradition is not merely academic: it is a language of love that draws the heart closer to Christ.

The professors at St. Bernard’s embody this tradition with humility and passion. Their Christlike approach to teaching, combined with their scholarly expertise, creates a space where students are encouraged to grow not only intellectually, but spiritually. Prayer, including the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, infuses the academic environment with a sense of sacred purpose.

In this journey, I have found joy that satisfies—a joy rooted in the discovery of truth and the encounter with Christ through study, professors, and classmates. Like the Magi, who returned home transformed by their encounter with the Christ Child, I am eager to share the good news I have learned.

Transformed by the Journey

Similar to the Magi, my journey has changed me. Their encounter with Christ compelled them to return home "by another route" (Matthew 2:12), and so too have I been transformed by my studies, my professors, and my classmates. The joy I have found at St. Bernard’s is not the conclusion of my journey, but a stepping stone. I carry forward the knowledge I have gained, eager to share the Good News with others on similar paths.

Let us, like the Magi, continue our pursuit of the Word made flesh, allowing our encounters to transform us and inspire us to bring His light to the world.

May God bless us all.

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[1] Chyrsostom, Saint John. Homily On The Epiphany. www.catholicism.org/chrysostom- epiphany.html. Accessed January 9, 2025.

[2] The Didache Bible: with commentaries based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Midwest Theological Forum, Inc, 2015.