Is it possible the star the Magi saw and followed was the same star that returned last week after a short hiatus of 800 years? It was last seen in the 13th century in the sky, lighting up the heavens. Of course, now we know it was caused by the closeness of Jupiter and Saturn with her marvelous rings. And, of course again, we live in Worcester, so it turned out to be a cloudy evening last week, thus a clear visual of what happened in the solar system was not viewed with the naked eye from our location. San Diego we are not. But the star was there, beyond the cloud cover. It is cause for legitimate inquiry as to whether this is the same astronomical phenomenon that caused the Magi to pack up and travel a great distance. If it was in fact the very same wonder in the sky that piqued their curiosity, causing them to say, “We must see what this is all about.” Well friends, after almost a year of pandemic uncertainty, upheaval, and the topsy-turviness of what’s going on, where a large degree of fear and complacency has settled into the spiritual lives of one too many, don’t you think the time is ripe, after 8 centuries of disappearance and distance, that we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to following the star? How’s this: I believe God’s timing, and how He plays around with the stars and planets, is perfection. And His message from last week’s closeness between Jupiter and Saturn is a statement from above that wonderfully calls us to continue crossing the desert of our lives amidst the uncertainties of this world. We know we live in a time when the cloud cover of Worcester is before us. Pandemic and all. A dangerous time when complacency in our relationship with Christ is closer to many of us now than previously in our lives. The opportunity to shut down the practice of our Catholic faith is at our doorstep. That is the reality right now. You choose by your presence to allow that highly dangerous spiritual condition to not enter your heart through paralyzing fear or anything else coming our way. You must hold your ground in like manner of the Magi, who encountered all sorts of snakes and travails as they entered the desert at the start of their destination. Most notably, toward the end of their destination, the travail of a rabid, raging King Herod insane about controlling the subjects in his kingdom. They made it through him, the Three Wise Guys, and they found the true King for whom they searched out. A fundamental part of our Christian faith, and not allowing said faith to whittle away like it has for some good people, is to behold an accurate understanding of the times in which we live. And to recognize for our spiritual benefit the symbolism and timing of events that take place. This is what the Magi experienced and acted on. It brought them to the pinpoint location of the newborn King and the world’s salvation. The Magi had a choice. They could have become lukewarm toward the appearance of the star and said, “Gee, look at that bright star appearing to call us to some movement. Oh well, time to go to bed. Good night, star. We’ll see you in 800 years.” Lukewarm faith is worse than no faith. Even St. Paul said so. Lukewarm faith leaves behind all the potential that advances someone to the faith of a Saint. Instead, the Magi understood the signs of the time. They saw that Someone up there was inviting them to move forward and locate the greatest stable on earth. This is why, for us Gentiles turned Christian, the Magi are our dear friends in the faith. They teach us we must keep moving forward in this New Year. The bright star appeared last week after an 800-year hiatus. Despite the Worcester cloud cover, it was there. We can say, scientifically, it would appear no matter what. True enough. But life and faith are more than scientific timing and coincidence. At least for people of faith it is. I believe the timing of the star’s appearance, timed with a worldwide pandemic, not to mention the political atmosphere, the star God created and called into existence is a sign of pure hope. The cloud cover says there is more uncertainty to address in the foreseeable future, which we can handle through God’s grace. The journey across this present desert has with it a few more sandstorms and King Herod’s. But persevere we must, and persevere we will. This is a present time to cherish your Catholic faith, and hold onto it like a martyr. Die for your faith before you would ever lose it. This would be for us a perfect copy of the Magi.