T. S. Eliot has been called the most influential poet of the twentieth century. Each year as we recall the visit of the wisemen during the season of Epiphany, I am reminded of the poem by Eliot entitled, “The Journey of the Magi”. The poems reads like a parable, full of hidden surprises. Eliot begins with a description of the difficult journey, emphasizing the hardships along the way with bad weather and reluctant camels.
Each time I read this work, I am led to remember my own faith journey. A careful reading of the poem might lead you to the same conclusion. The final stanza reflects on the meaning of the journey. Eliot poses this question:
Were we led all that way for Birth or Death?
There was a Birth, certainly, We had evidence and no doubt . .
This Birth was Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death . . .
We returned to our places, these Kingdoms,
But no longer at ease here. . . “
Each year we make this journey as well. We travel through Advent to Christmas. Sometimes our journey is made with little stress and great satisfaction. Other years are difficult, filled with loss and silent memories. At the end of our journey the destination is always the same. At the end of the journey we stand in awe as we consider this gift of Love sent down for us.
As we kneel beside the manger let us be wise like the Magi and realize that in accepting this gift of Love, we can no longer be at ease with our world. We cannot wear blinders and refuse to see the pain and suffering around us.
This journey has led us to “see with the heart of the Christ Child. Love has found a new place in our lives and in our world. Our old patterns and old ways of seeing are no longer acceptable. Perhaps this is the death that Eliot speaks of, a giving up of those things that hold us hostage and keep us from joy and peace. May the year 2010 bring you new beginnings as you let go of the old and allow the Christ Child to bring the peace that only he can give.
Shalom, Margaret