Originally posted in BobbyQuitain.Com
by Bobby Quitain
“They departed for their country by another way” (Matthew 2:12)
Is it possible to meet someone without encountering that person?
The answer, of course, is yes.
You see, a meeting becomes an encounter only when you emerge from it transformed.
For instance, you may have met many people in your life (unless you are a hermit!), but most likely there were only a handful of them whom you truly encountered.
Perhaps a teacher back in school who inspired you to become the best that you can be.
Or a friend who stuck with you through thick and thin.
Or a person whom you had a romantic relationship with and who turned your world upside down.
Or a priest or pastor who mentored you spiritually.
These were men and women who left a lasting imprint on your soul and who engraved a permanent mark on your heart. Their voices echo. Their touch lingers. Their love resonates. They came into your life and changed it forever.
Just like what happened to the magi in today’s gospel. They not only met Jesus. They encountered him. That was why they went home “by another way”:
“they departed for their country by another way” (Matthew 2:12)”
They couldn’t go back the same way. They cannot walk the same path. They cannot traverse the same route. How could they? They were no longer the same . They were changed. They were transformed forever.
Dear friend, you will meet God in many different instances this year 2010. My prayer is that you won’t miss the chance of making an encounter out of your meetings with him. Don’t leave an experience with God without being transformed into a better person. Learn your lessons. Be stronger. Be wiser. Be braver.
If you do these, I am more than certain that at the end of the year, you will be taking another route, walking on another road, and moving on another way. For when you truly encounter Jesus, you can’t help but be transformed forever!
prayersofapilgrim.com 