The Star

One of the best ways to explain what and why I teach what I do is to look at the Magi story about following a star.  The Magi are searchers for something more or deeper than their economic well being.  They have what is called a "restless heart."  They are not content with 'Stuff" such as all we receive at Christmas time or through our consumer ways.  For the restless heart, one must embrace the darkness or else you cannot see the star.  Stars are hidden by the light.  The restless heart is not content with the light that comes from book learning, catechisms, dogmas, material things or prayers with lots of good thoughts, words and rituals.  Contemplation, prayer beneath thought, word, feeling is praying in the darkness.  But it is when you see the star that will lead you, little by little to a fullness you are seeking.  The Magi were not changed by dogmatic faith or a set of beliefs, but by daily trudging through the unknown desert, and coming upon relationship, surprising relationship.  They were changed forever by this encounter.  Institutional, catechetical faith is a bit too certain for me.  I try not to sleep through the night of my life.  I will miss the star.