Jesus is the great light. He has come to shine on those who walk in the dark and live in the land of shadows. Do we receive him? 

Matthew expressly tells us that Jesus is the great light that Isaiah speaks of.  But John also lets us know that it is hard for Jesus’ own folks to receive him.

And could it be that the chief priests and the scribes would not leave their places of power? And their seats of honor, too? But, for sure, those in the dark seek to defeat the great light, like Herod did. Their selfish interests and cravings, their vile schemes, leave them blind.

But it is not easy even for those with noble aims to get to the great light. In this regard, it is enough for us to think of the magi from the east.

Their travel is not short. And, on top of this, they seem to be lost and are now in Jerusalem all of a sudden. It is the center of Judaism. Those who live there are so pure as to deem Zebulon and Naphtali, in Galilee, to be a dark land. For it is in northern Israel, close to the countries of the Gentiles and far from Jerusalem.

And if the magi know that they have brought about trouble, will they not feel bad? But be that as it may, they leave Jerusalem. And what they put up with in patience pays off. For at once the star they have seen rise leads them to where the child is.

But that the star guides them does not mean they do not have to grope at all in the dark. For it is still a lowly star; it does not get rid of the darkness completely. Only the great light puts an end to all that is dark.

The star leads us to the great light. 

So then, to get to the great light means to follow the lowly lights. By the same token, small things lead to the big things.

We must do the good that comes before us and all that God shows us (SV.EN XII:82). Small as it may be.

And the shadows should not make us lose heart. For God’s mercy can make use of our being small to scatter the shadows (SV.EN VII:356).

Lord Jesus, we acclaim you not only as the glory of Israel but also the great light of the Gentiles. Help us to do our part in the work of the Gospel. And give us the faith of the magi, so that we may worship you and offer you gifts also. The gift especially of our bodies and blood.

5 January 2025
Epiphany of the Lord
Is 6, 1-6; Eph 3, 2-3a. 5-6; Mt 1, 1-12