Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Today we observe the Transferred Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord from its proper day of Thursday January 6th. This word ‘epiphany’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘manifestation.’ Therefore, we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus as God to all people. We see this taking shape through the Magi who traveled via the light of the star in order to encounter the Savior of the World.
Despite how bright this star may have been for the magi it was nothing compared to the light which they would encounter through Christ. In the manger they not only encountered a child, but God who has come to dwell among us. Throughout humanity there has been a longing to encounter this great light. The darkness of sin and death was thrust upon us through the action of Adam and Eve, but Christ has come to restore us to this light.
As the Prophet Isaiah attests, “Arise! Shine, for you light has come, the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. Though darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples, Upon you the Lord will dawn, and over you his glory will be seen. Nations shall walk by your light, kings by the radiance of your dawning.”
This is the same light to which we must come to orient our life. In our own life there are many stars which lead us unto this light which is Christ. One’s parents play an important role in the formation of their children in the faith. When one attends a retreat or reads a good spiritual book they are led unto the Lord. When one begins to study Sacred Scripture it points the way towards the coming of Christ. What are the many stars that have led us towards the Lord and how can we do better at being a star which leads others towards an encounter with Him?
If we are willing to lead other unto the the light which is the Lord we must be like the magi and be willing to turn our sight towards Him. As Pope Benedict XVI reminded at World Youth Day in 2015, Matthew’s Gospel “is not a distant story that took place long ago. It is with us now. Here in the sacred Host he is present before us and in our midst… He is present now as he was then in Bethlehem. He invites us to that inner pilgrimage which is called adoration.”
Therefore, may we be like the magi. Let us be moved unto the Lord. Let us come to discover the great light which dispels the darkness of sin and death. This is the light which must come to illuminate our life. It is this light alone which will come to bring us solace in the midst of darkness. He who we desire, this great light, is Christ our Lord, He who is present with us in the Most Holy Eucharist. Come let us adore Him!
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