Jesus is the light of the world.  Those who welcome, hug and follow him have the light of life and turn into light of the world also. 

Herod seeks to kill the child Jesus.  The chief priests and the scribes do not go to Bethlehem.  So, yes, rather than accept and hug Jesus, his fellow Jews reject him, show their indifference.

Yet all this happens for a reason (SV.EN VII:304).  In fact, such rejection or indifference takes place at the same time as the magi’s search; the reason for the rejection is the hug the Gentiles want to give.

The foreigners take interest, yes, in the one the stars announce.  All, Jews and non-Jews, can see the stars.  Those in Jerusalem, on the other hand, dismiss the one their own Scriptures announce.  They feel troubled rather than happy.  Clearly, what is strange turns up:  those of the chosen people refuse, yes, to hug Jesus, while outsiders want to hug him.

Hence, there is warning not to be exclusive and divisive, and a call also to be inclusive and expansive. Not just Jews should belong to God’s people. Gentiles should, too, folks of all races, tongues and nations.

So then, God’s people get bigger at the same time and nations get to walk in its light. For it is not enough for me to love God, no, if my neighbor does not love him (SV.EN XII:215).

And the Lamb also makes a kingdom of priests of folks of all races, tongues and nations.  So, through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, we offer his body and blood, a sacrifice pleasing to the Father.

Lord Jesus, grant us to hug you and folks of all races, tongues and nations, those on the outskirts, in particular.  For they are all heirs, too, of God’s promise.

4 January 2026
Epiphany of the Lord
Is 60, 1-6; Eph 3, 2-3a. 5-6; Mt 1, 1-12