Today is the so-called Feast of the Three Kings. Of course, they were not really “kings” nor were there three of them. The Bible does not say so. They were not as powerful as we think of kings today. Or Presidents and Vice-Presidents. Be that as it may, it might be good to reflect on the notion of power in the present context.
The kings might have the power and wealth to venture far from their countries. They could not have gone this far without their resources — both intellectual and material. Yet they used their power not to promote their own interests but to search and find the Messiah.
The kings might have power over their own people. Yet they have humbly asked people around where the child was, Herod included. They knew that others could help to know where Jesus was as the star led them on their journey.
The kings might have the power and network to consult people. But they also listened to the angel who said not to go back to Herod. Their leadership was a work of discernment to where God truly led them.
To further this reflection, let me offer this talk I gave on “Power and Authority in Service of the Mission”.
Here, I reflected on the different theories of power and how it is applied in our Christian life today. Power, if it is to be liberating, should not dominate but should be empowering and nurturing, it should not be oppressive but caring and compassionate.
The quote from Pope Francis is useful: “The only authority is the power of service. The only power is the power of the Cross.”
Happy Three Kings everyone.
