The solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Lord Jesus. The readings beautifully align, just like the star did 2000 years ago, to point towards the true light of the world – our Lord Jesus. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the Lord rising upon His people. When the Lord Jesus came to this earth, nobody imagined a helpless babe could behold the glory of God, but indeed He did. He brought down heaven to earth and with it banished darkness and death for all eternity. Though the trials of this world seem unending, the Epiphany reminds us that light always overcomes the darkness. The glory of the Lord still prevails even over the darkest situations of our world.

When the Magi visited the Lord Jesus, their first reaction was to worship. They did not stop to ponder how a child could be the king of the Jews, they did not question why he was in a manger and not in a palace, they did not consider the state of his mother and father, nor any external factor – they simply prostrated themselves before the Lord and did him homage.

Today, when we visit this same Lord in the Eucharist, do we not get distracted by all the externals around us? We question what other people are wearing, why they are talking so loudly, how they are praying, what they are doing, and we fail to recognize the living presence of the Lord right before our eyes. We must allow the light of the Lord to shine into our dark hearts when these thoughts enter and let His truth become our reality. It is then that we can be partakers of the mystery of salvation that is revealed to us in the second reading.

St. Paul points out God’s marvelous plan for the Gentiles as he speaks of the mystery of Christ, and a mystery it truly is, for we cannot understand the salvation that came down to earth that day 2000 years ago. It is through this salvation that both Israelites and Gentiles, both slaves and free are offered the priceless gift of redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes I find that I judge who deserves redemption according to my own standards, when the truth is, the Lord brings salvation for all. If you recognize the Lord Jesus as the true king, if you follow His light, He will guide you on the path of righteousness and salvation will be your reward. This light must be taken to every nation on earth until all men bow and confess that the Lord Jesus is the King over this world.

Prayer: Abba Father, let the light of your Son guide our hearts today and always. Amen.