It’s seems I’ve been on a railroad of faith and science the last many weeks. Before break I had joined a biology class and so that I don’t gross anyone out too far, we were doing dissections, that’s all you need to know about that. Speaking with the teacher we got to chat about the procedure, how my dad is a science teacher, and how faith and reason go so well together.

We had recently celebrated the feast of the epiphany when the Magi (a word used for a Persian Priestly caste of peoples) visited the Holy Family by the guidance of a star. That word magi became used for those persons with knowledge beyond human knowledge, they were astrologers, scientists..but also priests. Their study led them to the Holy Family. They knew it was a king to be found under the star, but did they know the fullness of what they would find. Here are seekers from other faiths, but something changed that night. They returned by a different path, showing a change in these Magis.

So many youth in our nation (and others as well) have left their faith over what they believed to be conflicts between faith and reason. They hold to a sort of Scientism, where only the studiable is trustworthy. If only there was the next step of seeing that science only works if everything is intelligible. There must be order to be discovered, or else all science would lead nowhere. The work of science is to attain the highest probability, test everything. See if you can break former systems and laws. The Church is supportive of this pursuit of truth and progress. From Galileo, to Copernicus, to Gregor Mendel, Catholics have led fields of study. This can unite the world and do great good in edifying human dignity.

With the Epiphany we saw a revealing of the savior of the world. The Magi were foreigners, believers of other religions, but they sought out the king of the jews. They are the first of many peoples to come to Christ through seeking the truth.

We too need to study. Some say faith has only to do with relationship with God but…you must know someone to truly love them. To learn more about them, that grows the relationship. We are not all drawn to the same study, but imagine for a moment if: all musicians, all athletes, all coaches, all Religious education teachers, all parents, all children committed to study.

What beautiful fruits might that have for the world and our Marian community.

Friends, it is so good we get to have a school community where our youth can pursue good friendships, pursue their faith, and study! It was the study of the Magi that led them to find Christ, and that changed their lives! Join me in praying for our youth as they make the tough sacrifice at the desk. Pray for their studies to change their lives!