The Fourth Wise Man

                                The Gospel does not tell us how many wise men, or magi, journeyed to Bethlehem following the star.  Popular tradition holds that there were three-Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.  But there is also a tradition of a forth wise man, named Artaban.
                               As Artaban prepared to set out and follow the star, he took with him a  sapphire, a ruby and a pearl of great price as gifts for the newborn King, whereever He is to be found.
                              On his way to join the other wise men, Artaban stopped to care for a sick traveler.  If he stayed, however, to help he would miss the rendezvous with his friends.  He stayed, and the delay was just enough to make him late for the departure of the caravan.  Now Artaban was alone, and he needed transportation and supplies to cross the dessert.  So he sold the sapphire to purchase camels and supplies.  He was saddened because the King would never have this precious gem.
                              Artaban journeyed onward and reached Bethlehem, but again he was too late.  There were soldiers everywhere to carry out Herod's command that the male children should be slain.  Artaban, therefore took out the brilliant ruby to bribe the captain and save the children in the village in which he was staying.  Children were saved, mothers rejoiced; but the ruby, also, would not reach the King.
                             For 33 years Artaban searched in vain, and finally found his way to Jerusalem on the day several crucifixions were to take place.  Artaban hurried towards Calvary in order to bribe the Roman guard with the precious pearl and save the man called Jesus.  Something told him that this was the King of Kings for whom he had been searching all his life.
                             Just then, a young women being dragged along the street toward the slave market, called out to Artaban pleading for help.  With only a slight hesitation, he gave the last jewel, the pearl of great price, for her ransom.  Now Artaban had none of the precious gems he was going to present to the King.
                            Reaching the place where the crucifixions were to occur he was heartbroken when he saw he could do nothing to help Jesus.  But something remarkable happened.  Jesus looked over toward Artaban and said to him:
"Don't be brokenhearted, Artaban.  You've been helping me all your life.  When I was hungry, you gave me food, When I was thirsty, you gave me drink.  When I was naked, you clothed me, when I was a stranger, you took me in."
                            Some say Artaban never found Christ.  Others say he was the wisest of the wise men.