Thursday, December 28 : J.B. Bossuet

What did this star that proclaimed the glory of God in heaven possess above other stars? (Ps 18,2). What did it possess above others that it merited to be called the star of the King of kings, of the Christ who had just been born, and to lead the magi to him? Balaam, a prophet among the pagan people in Moab and Arabia, had seen Jesus Christ as a star, and had said: “A star shall rise from Jacob” (Nb 24,17). This star that appeared to the magi was the figure of that which Balaam had seen – and who knows whether Balaam’s prophecy had not spread round the East?… Whatever the case, a star that only appeared before their eyes would not have been able to lead the magi to the newborn King; it was necessary that the star of Jacob and the light of Christ should rise in their hearts. By the presence of the outward sign he had given them, God touched them within with the same inspiration Jesus spoke about: “No one can come to me unless the Father draw him” (Jn 6,44). Thus the wise men’s star is the heart’s inspiration. Goodness knows what shines within you: you are in darkness and frivolity, or perhaps in the world’s corruption. Turn to the East where the stars rise; turn to Jesus Christ who is in the East where rises the beautiful star of love and truth and virtue.
maronite readings – rosary,team