Homily, January 4, 2026

January 05, 2026

263

From The Pastor

The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is one of revelation, witness, and light. Christmas is the revelation of God incarnate through the womb of the Virgin Mary. It is the radical evidence of God coming in the flesh as one like us in all things but sin. The birth of the Child Jesus must be pondered beyond the image of an innocent baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. This pondering leads us to the feast of Epiphany with the revelation that this same Child is the Divine Son who would become the Savior of the world.

The Three Wise men are witnesses to this revelation as their long search, led by the light of a star, is fulfilled at the manger of Jesus, with Mary his Mother. To the Magi, it is revealed that this is not just another infant born, but the One longed for as the Christ and Messiah by all who seek Him. The image not only reveals the Divinity of Jesus, but also the longing of every human heart seeking and searching for love; not only human love but the love that will never end and can only be given by God in the redemption of Christ.

Light is a primary spiritual image. Light is the theological virtue of Christmas. Why? The Christ Child is the light of the world. It is He who is the Light that no darkness will overcome. Jesus is the light of love, the light of truth, and the light of hope that triumphs over evil, sin, and death. This image of light flows from the Old Testament, fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. Note in the first reading: ‘Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the people, but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory.’

As believers in Christ the Light, we are made people of the light. What does this mean? It means more that being a good person, nice, helpful, and generous. It means more than being religious. It means by the light of Christ we have become spiritual beings through the waters of Baptism. It is the realization and the revelation that our goodness is the goodness of God in us through the redemption of Christ now present in the Holy Spirit. Our desire to be good, to seek virtue, and to grow in holiness is the evidence of the Holy Spirit as a fruit of our redemption.

The light of Christ is the Divine love for which we all long. It is this longing that motivates us to grow and mature in the faith we profess. Putting this love into action through the ordinary rhythms of daily life makes it real. It is how we come to realize that it is Christ who lives in us inspiring our personal growth in the desire to give and accept love. Seeing the fruit of a good deed done warms the heart. Receiving love, help, attention, or affirmation from another person thrills the heart. This is the light of Christ at work.

What makes us long for love? What made the Magi follow the star through a long and tedious journey? Why did they do that? They were drawn by an inner longing, a desire, even a curiosity they could not deny. It was God drawing them and us to Himself. The tension of grace is in every heart that longs for the Lord. Why are we drawn to do the right thing; to do the good, to work for justice, to care for the poor, or to serve those in need, to simply be kind and generous? It is the light of Christ in us, the tension of holiness that tells us who we are in Christ as children of God called to serve in the model of the Lord Jesus. It is using the light we have been given in Christ to push back the darkness of the world and to do our part to bring about the Kingdom of God.

The opposite of light is, of course, darkness. This is readily seen in the gospel today. In the threat of his power and authority, Herod and all Jerusalem are in a panic. Deceptively, Herod directs the Magi to find the Child and report back to him. This is not for Herod to give worship, but to destroy the child who would become a King. This is the darkness of fear and hatred in the need for control. This leads to lies and deception that rejects the light of truth and goodness. Any king of this world is likely to act the same in defense of their own power. Jesus Christ our King, is the Lord of Love that draws us to Himself in unity and peace.

You are a person of light. In every one of us there is goodness, beauty, and truth that is the light of Christ through whom we are called to reveal and give witness to the world. If you are seeking love in your life, needing to strengthen your faith, or deepen your hope, let your light shine. Be good and do good. Any act of service, charity, kindness, sacrifice, or supportive attention to another person or circumstance brings the light of Christ into the world.

The best way to push back the darkness of doubt, fear, worry, or anxiety is to pray. Sit and be at peace. Feel, claim, and embrace the light you are in Christ. Then get up and put your prayer into action through some form of service. If you are unable to get up, stay seated and continue praying. That too is light for God, others, and yourself.

Father John Esper