THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHINES UPON YOU

Many people are glad that the year 2020 has finally passed. It was a year like no other, a year filled with so much darkness. How wonderful it is for us to celebrate the Epiphany. Epiphany reminds us that light will always overcome darkness and the glory of the Lord will shine in our lives and families. 
Epiphany means “manifestation”, to shine out, so that people can see it clearly and understand. Jesus Christ manifested himself through a shining star as the light of the world, the savior of the world and the glory of God. Divinity hidden in mystery shines out so that humanity can see and understand that God has come to us in human form. When the Magi or those who study the stars found this special star, they realized that the child that has that star has the power to change the world. The child has power to put light into the darkest parts of the world. Jn 1: 4-5 tells us, “In him was life, and the life was the light of human race, the light shines in darkness, and darkness has not overcome it.” The first reading from the prophet Isaiah calls us to rise up and shine for our light has come. Why was Isaiah making this call? At the time of Isaiah there was so much darkness in the life of the people and in their city. Isaiah proclaimed a light that will bring a great change in their life and city. “Rise up in splendor, your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” Nations shall come to you again and bring you gifts. There will be joy again because the glory of the Lord will dispel all darkness from your life and your city. We need the light of Christ to dispel the darkness of fear and anxiety, sickness and disease, hunger, poverty, violence, terrorism, racism, lack of respect for human life and dignity and all culture of death.
The Magi made a very long journey in a quest to find and honor the child that will transform the world. It is a journey worth taking. In this kind of journey, stress and distance does not matter. It is a journey to see and honor the king and savior of the world. The savior of the whole human race. It is a journey of a life time. It is a privilege that was never granted to so many people. In the second reading Paul appreciated this great privilege granted to him by God, that the mystery of Jesus Christ was revealed to him in such a way that he fully comprehend that the coming of Jesus Christ was not just for a group of people but for the whole humanity. A privilege not granted to kings and prophets.
The Magi followed the light of Christ and found him. They rejoiced, worshiped him and open their treasures and gave him precious gifts. Gift of gold that represents Christ kingship. Gift of Frankincense that represents Christ’s glory and majesty. Gift of Myrrh that represents Christ’s suffering and death. What gifts do you plan to give to Christ this year? Just like the Magi, who followed the light and it guided them to Christ, may we always follow the light of Christ to guide and lead us. May the light of Christ guide us in our actions and choices. May the gifts we give this year be more love for Christ, greater devotion to God and more participation in the activities of church. We pray that the light of Christ will shine brightly in our lives, in our families and in the world.