Epiphany 2011: "YOUR LIGHT HAS COME" ~ by Ronnie Archer

Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord

Is 60:106
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matt 2:1-12

On this feast of the Epiphany, our first reading of Isaiah tells us to "Rise up in splendor, your light has come." (Is 60:1)

The world was in darkness, people were living with no direction. Jesus came to bring His Light and hope to the world.

Life very often consists of lots of struggles and challenges for us. God knew that we needed someone to help us and show us the way, His way of living... so HE sent His Son, Jesus.

Jesus came to us in the form of a tiny infant... just as we, ourselves, came into the world. The three Kings were on a journey to find this Infant, as we, in this world are also on a journey.

When we begin to depart on a trip, we need the help of a "roadmap"... the Kings did not have that type of roadmap, but God gave them the star to follow, as their "map" ...a sign of direction, to show them exactly where the Infant Jesus would be found. This infant was special and the three "Wise Kings" recognized that He was the Son of God. They prostrated themselves before Him, brought gifts and worshiped and praised Him.

In the second reading of St. Paul to the Ephesians, we hear that the mystery was not made known to people of other generations, as it had now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. (Eph 3:5-6) He not only came for the Jews, but He came for ALL people. He is all of our Savior, the Universal King!

Some of us want to follow that "Star", but we might be afraid to take risks. Sometimes we might have to take "sensible risks" ... risks that might just take us out of our comfort zone, to follow Jesus, if we want to get to our "destination", which is heaven. That is how we gain faith and eternal life.

God is the Father of all people and we should respect all people, being tolerant, accepting diversity. We are People of God, and our primary "duty" is to give Him honor, praise and worship.

The way that we live should always glorify God, learning to live in peace and harmony with all of His people. He wants to bring all of His people together.

Recognizing all of the darkness that is now in our world, our nation, and our communities, it is our obligation to take up this Light of the New Born Christ and carry it to others.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST... AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH!!!

~ Image by Hermanoleon Clipart