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| Adoration of the Magi by Andrea Mantegna |
This is the third in a series of posts for Epiphany)
(I first posted this entry in 2008 - it's one of my favorites! Be sure to click on the image for a larger, more detailed version.)
In Mantegna's painting, it's all in the eyes!
The magi offer the Child their gifts but they gaze up and off into the distance. Perhaps they're asking of the star they followed: "Is this really the One to whom you've led us?"
And Joseph... Joseph stands apart, keeping a wary eye on these exotic, wealthy, generous visitors. Can you read his thoughts? "How came they knocking on our door? Their gifts are so extravagant! What do these strangers want? What's their game?"
Not surprisingly, Mary, the loving Mother, keeps her eye on the child of her womb. Might it be she sees in this unexpected visit the twists and turns her Son's life will take? And yet, see how she offers her child to others - you can almost hear her asking, "Do you want to hold the baby?" Is she already aware that she will, in the end, be called to give her son away to all who come looking for him...
Jesus' eyes tell us clearly that he has no need of these fine offerings. He wants something else from each of us and what he desires comes neither in a coffer nor a cup ... What he desires comes only in our hearts...
O God, set my gaze on only that star
whose light leads me
on the path of your truth...
Child of Mary's womb,
apple of Joseph's eye,
welcome me when I come to you,
when I draw near to visit and to pray...
Teach me to make of my heart
the finest gift I have
to offer to you and others...
When I wonder
if I've found or lost you:
deepen my faith
in your faithful pursuit of me,
if I've found or lost you:
deepen my faith
in your faithful pursuit of me,
of my life and my love...
Shine like a star, Lord, and show me
the beauty of your face:
let me never fail to seek you,
to find you and to greet you,
in all I meet and know...
O Child of wonder, Child of light,
Child of royal beauty bright,
Gently lead me, guide and guard me
with your mercy, grace and might...
Amen.
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