THE FIRST MAGI
Meanne M. Mijares
Once upon a time, long before Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar, went to Bethlehem to visit the Christ Child, lived a great but now retired prime minister named Ahashea who had spotted signs and wonders in the heavens; signs that no one had ever seen before. These premonitions announced the coming of the greatest King of Kings one would ever know. Amazed by the prospect of such great power, Ahashea chose to set off in pursuit of this King, expecting to place himself at the King’s service, and thus attain a position of high importance in His future kingdom.
Assembling all his possessions, he formed a vast convoy and they moved off towards where the signs point out. But the influential prime minister didn’t know how long and hard the expedition would be.
Most of his servants got sick, and Ahashea cared for them, spending great wealth on healers and doctors. They crossed such dry country that the dwellers were dying of hunger, by the dozen. Ahashea allowed these people to join his caravan, and provided them with food and clothing.
They met slaves that were so terribly mistreated that Ahashea decided to buy their freedom, estimating him huge amounts of gold and jewels. The thankful slaves also joined Ahashea’s team.
So long was the journey, and so many people ended up joining the convoy, that when they finally arrived at their destination, only a small portion of the jewels were left; jewels that Ahashea had reserved as a gift for the great King. He then discovered the final sign: a big, shining star, rising up from behind some hills, and headed towards it with the last of his riches.
He walked towards the great King’s palace and came across many travellers, but against his expectations, few of them were noble, powerful people; most of them were shepherds gardeners, and poor people. Seeing their shoeless feet, and thinking of what little use such a powerful King would have for his few riches, Ahashea ended up sharing the last of his jewels with these poor people.
Without a doubt, his plans had gone wrong. Now he couldn’t even submit an application for a good post in the new Kingdom. Ahashea thought of going home, but he had been through a great deal to get there that he didn’t want to leave without at least seeing the new King of Kings.
So he kept on walking, and saw that after a bend the road came to an end. There was no sign of palaces, soldiers or horses. All he could see was a small stable at the side of the road, where a poor family was trying to shield themselves from the bitter cold. Ahashea was dissatisfied at having got lost again, and he move toward the stable, meaning to ask these people if they knew the way to the new King’s fortress.
“I bring a message for the King,” he explained, showing them a parchment, “I would like to serve him and have an important place in His mighty kingdom.
Upon hearing this, they all smiled, most especially a newborn Baby who was lying in a manger. The Lady in the stable held out her hand and taking the message, smiled and said:
“Give me the message, I know Him, and will give it to Him personally.”
She gave the parchment to the Child who, to the sound of everyone’s laughter, squashed it with his little hands and chewed it, putting the parchment beyond repair.
Ahashea didn’t find this funny. Thinking that he now had nigh on to nothing, he fell to the floor, weeping bitterly. While he was sobbing, the Baby’s hand touched his hair, as if to comfort him. Ahashea lifted up his head and looked at the Child. He was quietly smiling, and was such a beautiful happy Baby that Ahashea soon forgot all his worries and cares and began playing with Him.
He stayed there for almost the entire night, in the presence of the poor family, telling them of his travels and adventures, and sharing with them what little he had left. When daybreak arrived, Ahashea got up and was ready to leave, bidding goodbye to all and kissing the Baby. The Child, smiling as He had done the whole night through, took the damp parchment and glued it in Ahashea’s face, making them all laugh. Ahashea took the parchment and kept it as a memento of that delightful Holy Family.
That day, Ahashea, the first Magi, began his journey back home. Several days later, remembering his evening in the stable, he stumbled on the parchment among his clothes, and opened it. The Baby’s saliva had left no trace of the special message.
But right at that moment, while he was looking at the blank paper, there were tiny drops of water and gold ink filled the air around the parchment and slowly came to rest on it.
With tears of happiness rolling down his cheeks, the former prime minister read:
“My son Ahashea, I have received your message. Thank you very much for coming, and for all the gifts you brought for My friends who you met on the way. I guarantee you, that you already have a Grand Place in My Kingdom.
Signed: Jesus Christ, the King of Kings”
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