Every January, we hit the reset button. We make plans, set goals, and try to start the year “right.” But spiritually, the Church gives us something better than a checklist—she gives us the feast of Epiphany. It’s a moment to sit with the Magi and remember that the Christian life is, at its core, a journey of seeking the God who is already seeking us.
The Magi didn’t have perfect clarity when they set out; they had a star. A hint. A beginning. That’s often how prayer starts. We notice a pull toward quiet, or a desire to grow, or a moment of unexpected peace—and that’s the star in our own sky. If you’ve been feeling that lately, don’t dismiss it. Even a small desire for God is already a work of grace. A simple way to honor it is to take a few minutes at the end of your day and ask: Where did God draw my attention today? A single line in a journal can turn vague spiritual feelings into actual conversation with Him.
If you want something gentle to guide that reflection, The Forge is a great companion. Its short, punchy points invite you to pause and ask what God might be saying through the concrete details of your day. It’s accessible, realistic, and written for people who are trying to grow in the middle of real life—not in a monastery.
The Magi also remind us that seeking God means moving, however slowly. Sometimes we make prayer harder than it needs to be. We think we need a holy hour every day or perfectly structured mornings. But the Magi moved toward Christ step by step, not in dramatic leaps. Your steps can be small, too: reading a few verses of the Gospel with your morning coffee, saying a Memorae while waiting in line, or choosing to turn your commute into a conversation with God instead of a scroll.
For those who want a simple way to enter Scripture without overwhelm, Daily Roman Missal (yes, even outside Mass!) can be a beautiful anchor. The readings for each day keep you close to the heart of the Church, and reading just one passage can orient your whole morning.
Along the way, the Magi needed help. They stopped in Jerusalem, asked questions, and sought clarity. That’s part of our prayer life, too: acknowledging when we don’t know what God is doing and asking for light. If you’re in a season of discernment or confusion, consider picking up Praying from the Depths of the Psalms. It walks you through the raw, honest prayers of Scripture—perfect for anyone who needs a way to bring real emotions to God without feeling like you need to tidy them first.
And when the Magi finally reached Jesus, they opened the treasures they had. Prayer isn’t just listening; it’s offering—your worries, your hopes, your plans, your gratitude. God wants it all. If you want help learning how to make your everyday life an offering, The Way of the Cross can be surprisingly grounding. Its meditations help you unite ordinary burdens with Christ’s own journey, transforming even small inconveniences into meaningful prayer.
What’s beautiful is that the Magi didn’t return home the same way they came. Encountering Jesus always leaves us changed, even subtly. Maybe for you, that change is a desire to structure your day differently, to begin a small habit of spiritual reading, or simply to be more aware of God’s presence in the middle of your routine.
Epiphany isn’t a story about three exotic travelers—it’s the story of every Christian soul learning to look up, listen, and follow. This year, may the Magi remind you that seeking God doesn’t require perfection. Just attention. Just willingness. Just the decision to take the next small step toward the One who is already drawing you close.
