Monthly Theme: January 2014

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi came from the East to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him"...And behold, the star that they had seen in the East went before them, until it came and stood over the place where the child was. And when they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly. And entering the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshipped him. And opening their treasures they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
(MT 2: 1-2, 9-12)

How can this Scripture passage relate to us today? As the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, said during his homilies on the Feast of the Epiphany (2007 & 2008)...The light shining in the night at Christmas illuminating the Bethlehem Grotto, where Mary, Joseph and the shepherds remained in adoration, shines out today and is manifested to all. The Epiphany is a mystery of light, symbolically suggested by the star that guided the Magi on their journey. The true source of light, however, the sun that rises from on high (LK 1: 7-8) is Christ.

But what is this light? Is it merely an evocative metaphor or does this image correspond to reality? The Apostle John writes in his First Letter, God is light; in him there is no darkness (1 JN 1:5); and further on he adds, God is love. The Holy Father goes on to say that, the light that shone forth at Christmas, which is manifested to the peoples today, is God's love revealed in the Person of the Incarnate Word. Attracted by this light the Magi arrived from the East. The arrival in Bethlehem from the East to adore the newborn Messiah is a sign of the manifestation of the universal King to the peoples and to all who seek the truth.

As the pope suggests, it is sin and its justification that darkens our souls and decision making. But for those who have the slightest opening in their hearts to cooperate with the grace of God will always be guided by Him. Why? Because He wants not just to give us hope but He wants to share that infinite love that will lead us to the joys of life everlasting.