Epiphany (A)

"I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness: no, he shall possess the light of life." (Jn 8:12) Jesus is the true light that enlightens everyone. (Jn 1:9)

Today's story of the Epiphany in which he is manifested to the non-Jewish world is about a star, seen in the east by people in search of a saviour. They did not know who or where he was but, following a deep whisper in their hearts, they somehow knew the star would lead them to him. And so they set out in search for him from places far distant from Jerusalem or Bethlehem (from China or the Philippines perhaps?)

Not reckoning the cost in terms of treasure, time or inconvenience, they confidently expected the mysterious star to lead them to a new born king, one well worth their gold, frankincense and myrrh. Despite hardships and obstacles, they found him in Bethlehem in a house with Mary his mother, and "they prostrated themselves and did him homage." No trappings of royalty here, but they saw the LIGHT OF THE WORLD through the mysterious light of faith within them.

"I have come into the world as its light, to keep anyone who believes in me from remaining in the dark." (Jn 12:46) And "the light shines in darkness, a darkness that cannot overwhelm it," (Jn 1:5) yet in fact not everyone sees the light. There are those who prefer the dark, for their lives are evil. Some, too, "claim to be in the light, hating their brothers all the while, but remain in the dark even now."

In a world reeling from the terror of September 11, 2001, much has been spoken and written about the effects of that terrible moment. And the aftermath has given few peaceful moments for most people. The new bio-terrorism through anthrax in the mails has increased the nervousness of people everywhere but especially in the USA. But presently because the rest of the world has been shown what can be done to the people of the most powerful nation in the world, fear has not been limited to them alone.

There we have the military reaction which all can witness day by day on CNN or BBC. What Christian, what Catholic, cannot but be moved by the plight of the thousands of innocent bystanders, as it were, who have lived in fear for so long and now have become reluctant refugees, unloved and for the most part unwanted? Most of them do not know Christ and those who see him in the bombers and marines fear him and hate him.

The world for which the light shone in darkness needs to see the true light which came into the world and was found in Bethlehem. A hatred similar to that of King Herod would wipe out that light completely if it could. But it is a light, which the darkness of the present time threatens similarly to destroy.

The star of Bethlehem led the wise men of the east to the light of the world. We have been fortunate beneficiaries of their faith and their witness. Our times call us to reflect that light in the darkness of our world. Jesus calls us today to let our light shine brightly, as we witness to our faith in him. LORD. GIVE US COURAGE TO LET OUR FAITH IN YOU BE A LIGHT TO A WORLD PLUNGED IN DARKNESS. AMEN.