The feast of the Epiphany, traditionally celebrated on Jan. 6, is now observed on the second Sunday after Christmas, and this year it is observed today. The word Epiphany in its Greek roots meant the appearance or manifestation of a god among people.

Scholars agree there are a number of events that can be understood as manifestations of the Messiah — His birth at Bethlehem, His baptism, His first miracle at Cana and the visit of the Magi.

In the Eastern Church, the baptism of Jesus is the focus of the Epiphany feast while in the Catholic and Anglican churches the focus is on the visit of the Magi.

In European countries, the feast comes at the end of the 12 days of Christmas and is the time for removing the Christmas decorations.

The Epiphany feast has a special appeal to me because of the admiration I have for the Magi — whether they were kings, students of the stars or seekers of meaning and truth — who left their home country and journeyed into the unknown to find the one they were seeking.

My reflection, with or without theological foundation, is that the Magi serve as a model for all people who seek truth, meaning and/or God in life. In my reflection on the Magi, I use the image of a journey and its different stages.

Stage 1. The group we call Magi seem to be people who were searching for meaning/purpose in their life. They were conscious that they were not happy with their lives or the direction of their lives. They became restless and had a thirst for more spiritually. They decided that their situation necessitated a search.

Stage 2. They began their search and set out on the journey. In their culture there must have existed a belief that a god would intervene in human history and show himself among humankind. There was a sign, a star in the east, by which they were guided for a while. We are not sure why they were attracted to the star, nor are we told if this led them in the correct direction from the beginning.

Stage 3. I can well imagine that they experienced times when they wondered if their search was futile and if they should return to their home place. But they found people along the way, and got hints that gave them encouragement and renewed their conviction that their search was worthwhile. They stayed on the journey.

Stage 4. They traveled to the center of knowledge, of ancient manuscripts, of political power and a center of seers and prophets – the city of Jerusalem. They visited with the king (Herod) whose advisors spoke of an ancient prophesy (Micah 5:1-3) that a king would be born in Bethlehem.

Stage 5. They set out once more. To their surprise the star reappeared and led them to the place where they found the newborn king in Bethlehem. They knew they had found the one for whom they were searching. They laid their gifts before the king and gave their homage.

Stage 6. Their initial thought was to retrace their steps to Jerusalem and Herod’s court but a vision or inspiration prompted them to take a different route homeward. We can assume that they were forever changed by their journey and their experience of finding the One for whom they were seeking.

As I reflect on their search for meaning and/or for God, I believe their story can be applied to us who live at the beginning of the third millennium. I use the same stages in our search for meaning, hope and God in our lives.

Stage 1. Many people today, whether affluent, lonely or impoverished, find themselves searching for meaning and hope and/or God in their lives. The old ways are not working for them, what they have worked hard for is not giving an adequate reward, and even for individuals who pray, their efforts at praying are not bringing consolation. The story of the Magi offers hope and it might be expressed this way “don’t just stay where you are, begin your search now.”

Stage 2. Talk with the people whose advice you respect, talk with them about your search, share your concerns, seek advice and guidance. What can you learn from the experience of others who seem to have found answers. Ask for God’s guidance in your prayer.

Stage 3. Do not be surprised if you experience darkness and discouragement. How true this would be of people who struggle with illness, grief, addiction, disappointment and loss.

I believe the Magi had to struggle with doubt. Words of encouragement and insight from others bring hope. Ask God in prayer for that hope.

Stage 4. Seek guidance and wisdom from the church community. This will offer direction, hope and light. The inspired word in the Bible offers wisdom. The sacramental graces of the Church community, the exemplary lives of its faith heroes (saints) and the persons with pastoral insights in the community can aid those who are searching. Have confidence that you will find a light to guide your search as did the Magi.

Stage 5. An authentic search will lead you to the realization of your vision — discovering your mission in life, experiencing meaning and purpose, overcoming obstacles, and/or discovering God. The journey will be different for everyone and may involve detours, dead ends and delays. The ancient writer assures us that “our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

Stage 6. This will result in ones life being changed forever. One will not go back the same journey, one will leave old habits behind, and one will live as a “new creation” with the privilege of being a member of the family of God. The Magi did not return to Jerusalem, but went home by another way as a people forever changed.

My Epiphany wish for you is that you will have the courage to search for God in your life, that you will not be deterred by setbacks and self doubts, and that your search will be rewarded by discovering Him and being forever changed by that experience.

The Rev. David O’Connor, a native of Limerick, Ireland, is pastor of Assumption Catholic church and of St. Mary Basilica.