Empty-Handed

    FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

First published January 7th, 2007.

Magi from the east arrived… They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  (Matt 2:1, 11)

OH my Jesus.

I should come to you today with many gifts, like the magi. Instead, my hands are empty. I wish I could offer you the gold of good works, but I bear only the sorrow of sin. I try to burn the frankincense of prayer, but I have only distraction. I want to show you the myrrh of virtue, but I am clothed by vice.

OH my Jesus. What should I do before you now, I who am found, somehow, in your Presence?

My beloved lamb, this I wish alone:  that you gaze upon me in My poverty. Have I not come to you as you are, poor, little, and helpless? Do you see a retinue of angels turning you away… or do you see instead simple shepherds and an ox and ass gathered round Me? And look—the Magi, wealthy as they are, lie prostrate before Me.

Ah, this is the gift I desire, the gift of humility! You do have something to offer me:  your nothingness. I created the world out of nothing so that you may have the hope of knowing I can create Holiness out of nothing. Be not afraid, little lamb. Blessed are the poor in spirit.  Your poverty—that is, your recognition of it—creates the space within your heart for Me. I cannot come to a heart which is proud and closed. I can only enter a heart which empties itself of all illusions of it’s own goodness, and which recognizes its poverty.

The gift I desire from you today is not deeds, nor words, nor virtues. Today, I simply ask you to make room in your heart for Me. Imitate the Magi: lie prostrate before me. Become lowly, like my Mother, and I will come with the Father and dwell within you, as I dwelled and continue to dwell within her.

Why are you afraid of a Baby?

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