Sunday 4th January – The Epiphany of the Lord

Reflection: Isaiah 60: 1-6

THE NATIONS COME TO YOUR LIGHT

Today, the universal Church celebrates the feast of the Epiphany of our Lord. “Epiphany” means “manifestation” and the feast celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the gentile world as represented by the Magi from the East. Though Christ was born insignificantly in a manger, His star rose in the East and drew the pagan wise men to come seek Him and worship.

As we celebrate the Epiphany, we are reminded that though Christ has ascended into heaven, you and I, children of God must manifest His presence here on earth. Jesus tells us: “You are the light of the world…let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14, 16). A very small candle lit in the midst of pitch darkness always stands out because darkness can never over come light.

Just as the first reading tells us, our world today is full of darkness. The pursuit of excessive wealth, power, pleasure and worldly happiness has blinded the eyes of many to the truth of the gospel and to the joy that the birth of Christ brings. You and I, through our baptism are partakers in the divine nature (cf 2 Peter 1:4). Let us pursue a deep relationship with Christ. Only in living in love and obedience to Him can we find the true happiness that our hearts seek. As we go deeper in our friendship with Christ, we cannot but shine His light in the midst of the darkness around us. And this light of Christ always attracts others.
Think of St John Paul the Great, Mother Teresa and other figures of faith. As the light of Christ shone out to those around them, the world took note. Dear friend, this year 2015, make it a priority to go deeper in your faith and as the light of the King of kings shines through you, nations will indeed come to your light; kings to your dawning brightness.

PRAYER: Thank you Jesus for the gift of my faith. Please help me to be transformed by your grace and shine the light of Christ everywhere through my way of life. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 125 – What is unique about the People of God?
The founder of this people is God the Father. Its leader is Jesus Christ. Its source of strength is the Holy Spirit. The entryway to the People of God is Baptism. Its dignity is the freedom of the children of God. Its law is love. If this people remains faithful to God and seeks first the kingdom of God, it changes the world.

HIDE A TREASURE: “The night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light” Romans 13:12 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Isaiah 60: 1-6; Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-13; Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2: 1-12