This reading reminds me of an amazing book titled “the gift, imagination and the erotic life of property.” Lewis Hyde writes about the history and anthropology of gifting. Myths, fairy tales, art, isolated customs of the Kula, Māori, Native Americans, offer completely different ways of understanding. The Wise men are not in the book, but they could be! Thank you Diana, for opening this subject.
Dear Diana, Thank you so much for your reflection on the Gifts of the Magi and "no more quid pro quo." The world would be in a better place if the gift of giving was without expectations. Also, Mary's heart pondered "all these things" which allowed her to understand her role and destiny in the Jesus story for all mankind. God truly fills the lowly with gifts of abundance in their poverty of obedience and humility and removes the rulers of this world from their thrones. Another piece of the Magi story is that they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. The Magi or Wise men had wisdom and discernment to interpret their dream correctly, and to obey the Voice of the Holy Spirit. The Magi protected themselves on the way home and provided safety to the Holy Family who would travel into Egypt to protect the Christ Child. And the story continues. May the Peace of the Risen Lord remain among us during these turbulent times and make us wise to listen to our dreams and visions by the Holy Spirit and to obey. Blessings to All!
I highly recommend that anyone interested in a beautiful story linked to today's advent message, watch/ listen to the chamber opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors". This is the story of the three kings who stay overnight at the home of a very poor mother and crippled son---and the relationship which develops between the three. Very moving with lots to think about!
I have been enjoying and sharing your Advent posts with my husband and daughter visiting for this season. Thank you for doing such beautiful work to share with us.
This reading reminds me of an amazing book titled “the gift, imagination and the erotic life of property.” Lewis Hyde writes about the history and anthropology of gifting. Myths, fairy tales, art, isolated customs of the Kula, Māori, Native Americans, offer completely different ways of understanding. The Wise men are not in the book, but they could be! Thank you Diana, for opening this subject.
What do you think happened to the gifts once the kings left?
Dear Diana, Thank you so much for your reflection on the Gifts of the Magi and "no more quid pro quo." The world would be in a better place if the gift of giving was without expectations. Also, Mary's heart pondered "all these things" which allowed her to understand her role and destiny in the Jesus story for all mankind. God truly fills the lowly with gifts of abundance in their poverty of obedience and humility and removes the rulers of this world from their thrones. Another piece of the Magi story is that they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. The Magi or Wise men had wisdom and discernment to interpret their dream correctly, and to obey the Voice of the Holy Spirit. The Magi protected themselves on the way home and provided safety to the Holy Family who would travel into Egypt to protect the Christ Child. And the story continues. May the Peace of the Risen Lord remain among us during these turbulent times and make us wise to listen to our dreams and visions by the Holy Spirit and to obey. Blessings to All!
lovely--reminds me of TS Eliot's "Journey of the Magi"
I highly recommend that anyone interested in a beautiful story linked to today's advent message, watch/ listen to the chamber opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors". This is the story of the three kings who stay overnight at the home of a very poor mother and crippled son---and the relationship which develops between the three. Very moving with lots to think about!
Ah, the Joy of Giving - and Receiving!
Your Advent posts have been so nourishing to my soul. Thank you!
I have been enjoying and sharing your Advent posts with my husband and daughter visiting for this season. Thank you for doing such beautiful work to share with us.