The Epiphany of the Lord

Stars of Light

We are drawn to light. We seek light in the darkness. So many of us eagerly waited to see the “Christmas Star” that graced our vision just before Christmas. Did we imagine the star that guided the Magi?

The Magi followed the light of a star to find the light of the world, Jesus. Who or what has lit the way for you, guided you toward Jesus, shown you the love and mercy of God, and helped you to see Christ in all people?

St. Paul reminds us that the star’s light shines on each and every person, unique and precious in  God’s eyes. No exceptions! Jews and Gentiles, women and men, people of all skin color tones are the recipients of God’s light. Do we search for the light in persons who are different—who look different, who think differently, who love differently, who believe differently?

God warned the Magi not to return to Herod because he knew what was in Herod’s heart. Herod feared the light. Jealousy and greed kept him from an encounter with Jesus. Jealousy and greed led to his desire to eliminate Jesus, resulting in the slaughter of many innocent children. How does jealousy and greed distract us, even desiring to extinguish the light, the life in others?

The Magi, following God’s warning, went home by a different path. Pope Francis, in recent publications, reminds us that the pandemic has brought us to a crossroads too. We have the opportunity to choose a different path. Pope Francis says we must use this decisive moment to end our superfluous and destructive goals and activities and to cultivate values, connections, and activities that are life-giving. Many of us have used the time we have been given to read, to educate ourselves about differences, to think differently—to choose a different path, to find another way home. Even the home we know has changed.

When God reveals to our understanding something of God’s self, we call this gift an epiphany. Where will the star lead us? What path, what different way home will we find and follow? Who will be our companions on this journey? Will our light attract others to follow the same path?

May we be epiphanies to each other, overflowing with love and extravagant care for each other. Make us shining stars that lead others to Jesus! For this, let us all work and pray!