MAGI MEDICINE

By Tim Millea, M.D.

Much has been written about the Magi, the three wise men we meet in the second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel (verses 1-12), yet accurate knowledge of them is lacking.  Despite that, one of the first feast days in each new year commemorates their journey “from the East” to Jerusalem to find “the newborn king of the Jews.”  Their story captures the imagination, and reflections on their journey may yield lessons that can help in our vocations as Catholic clinicians.

It is likely correct that the Magi were indeed wise, learned men of prominence.  They were clearly anxious to learn, as their curiosity led them on a difficult journey to answer a question: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?”  Similar to mariners over the millennia, their route was guided by a celestial lighthouse, a single star that indicated the location of the answer to that question.

Herod could not answer their question, but his duplicity is clear in his request that they report back to him.  It is verses 9 through 12 of Matthew’s Gospel that can relate to our current difficulties in providing Christ-centered care in a secular, and often hostile environment.

Leaving Herod, the Magi traveled to Bethlehem and found the Christ child.  They were “overjoyed” and “did him homage,” including the offering of the three well-known gifts.  In the final verse of the passage we find a recognition of reality that leads to a change in plans.  After a warning in a dream to forego returning to Herod, they returned to their home “by another way.”

How does this story apply to Catholic medicine?  We are quite aware of the challenges to the practice of Christ-centered health care we encounter.  Our youngest colleagues begin to encounter these challenges early in their education, whether it be medical school, nursing school, or other programs.  However, the commitment to their faith is the star that guides them through the difficulties.  In contrast to the Magi, who had to seek the truthful answer to their question, Catholic clinicians have that answer.  They have found the truth in the Divine Presence of Christ to guide their vocation and care for others.

There is an increasing number of our CMA colleagues that are considering or already involved in a fully Catholic practice committed to the ethics of our faith.  Some of them may be described as “verse 12 clinicians.”  When they realized that the secular health care world did not respect their beliefs, they correctly interpreted that as a warning.  Ultimately, they pursue their career “by another way.”  As a result, we are experiencing a surge in interest in Catholic-centered medical curricula and clinics, resulting in a growing commitment to medical care as Christ intended.

The Magi continue to teach us the importance of not only finding the truth, but also recognizing that following that truth may necessitate a change in our professional lives.  In our current culture, it may become evident that God is leading us to another way, a way that leads from secular medicine to a career that allows us to glorify Him as we care for His creations, our patients.

CMA Board Member Tim Millea, M.D. is the Chair of the Health Care Policy Committee and the Conscience Rights Protection Task Force.

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