From the Friars: What Do You Seek?

On December 13th of last year, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a major scientific breakthrough. For the first time ever, a nuclear fusion experiment was able to produce more energy than what was required to cause the reaction. This technology has the potential to eventually become an inexpensive and clean energy source which could radically transform the world on many levels. It is the latest example of so many discoveries which have come about through the dedication of tremendous amounts of time, money and effort.

Nuclear fusion is the same process that generates the heat from the sun and other stars. Speaking of stars, today we remember the miraculous star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to the Divine Child. These mysterious travelers were likely astrologers from Persia. They studied the heavenly bodies, but were also men of faith in the One True God like many righteous gentiles. Having pondered the Hebrew Scriptures, they would have been aware of the messianic prophecy of Numbers 24:17: “…a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” These primitive scientists diligently sought the truth, not only about natural phenomena, but also about the most important questions of human existence.

Our Creator has given each one of us the ability to know truth, in all its various forms. With this great gift comes the grave responsibility to seek the truth and to follow it. Our modern age has become so engrossed with the wonders of technology that we are forgetting what is most essential. The Wise Men followed the law of God written on their hearts and sought to understand reality in its fullness. Their fidelity was rewarded when they saw the Christ Child, Truth Himself Incarnate.

Imagine if we put as much effort into knowing God as we do in seeking scientific knowledge.

Let us imitate the example of the Magi and pray for those who have wandered off the road to Bethlehem.

God bless you.

— Fr. Peter