Taking the time to look at the children

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, that is, his manifestation to all peoples, embodied by the Magi (cf. Mt 2:1–12). They were wise men who, having been drawn by the appearance of a star, set out on their journey and arrived in Bethlehem. They found Jesus, “with Mary his mother”, and prostrated themselves before him, offering him “gold, frankincense and myrrh” (v. 11).

These wise men recognised the presence of God in a simple child: not in a prince or a nobleman, but in a child of the poor, and they prostrated themselves before him, worshipping him. The star has led them there, before a child, and in his innocent little eyes they perceive the light of the Creator of the universe, to whose search they have dedicated their lives.

This is the defining experience for them and just as important for us: in the Child Jesus, we see God made man. Let us therefore look upon him and marvel at his humility. Contemplating Jesus, standing before him, adoring him in the Eucharist: this is not a waste of time, but it gives meaning to time. To adore is not to waste time, but to give meaning to time. It is important, I repeat: to adore is not to waste time, it is to give meaning to time. It is rediscovering the flow of life in the simplicity of a silence that nourishes the heart.

And we also find the time to look at children, just as the Magi looked at Jesus: the little ones who also speak to us of Jesus, with their trust, their spontaneity, their wonder, their healthy curiosity, their ability to cry and laugh spontaneously, and to dream. This is how God revealed himself: childlike, trusting, simple, and full of love for life (cf. Wis 11:26). If we stand before the infant Jesus and in the company of children, we shall learn to marvel and we shall begin more simply and more effectively, just like the Magi. And we shall be able to cast a fresh, creative gaze upon the world’s problems.

Let us therefore ask ourselves: during these days, have we paused to worship; have we made room for Jesus in silence, praying before the nativity scene? Have we spent time with children, talking and playing with them? And finally, are we able to see the world’s problems through the eyes of children?

May Mary, Mother of God and our own Mother, increase our love for the Child Jesus and for all children, especially those suffering from wars and injustices.

POPE FRANCIS

ANGELUS

St Peter’s Square

Sunday 7 January 2024