Rise Up! Your Light Has Come!
“Rise up in splendor - your light has come. The glory of the Lord shines upon you!”
These inspiring words from the prophet Isaiah opened our readings and they set the tone for today’s feast of Epiphany. Isaiah’s prophecy was written in a time of darkness for Israel. They offer a message of hope, renewal and the coming of God’s glory. For us New Testament readers, it points to the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus, the Light of the World.
Good evening friends
In the Gospel from Matthew, we meet the Magi, wise men from the East, who followed a star to find the newborn King. We hear this story every year, but today, let us take a closer look at their journey, their challenges, and what it means for us.
Let us explore how their search for the Light of the World reflects our own spiritual journey and how the Lord calls us to “rise up in splendor.”
Arise and Follow the Light
First of all, the Magi were ancient astronomers who were skilled in observing and interpreting the stars and celestial events. They saw a star, an extraordinary sign that caught their attention and awakened something deep inside of them.They didn’t have all the answers. They did not know exactly where the star would lead them, but they knew they had to follow.
Isn’t that how most spiritual journeys begin? A moment of awakening, a glimmer of light breaking through the shadows, darkness.Perhaps it is a longing for meaning, or a longing for peace or the search for the deeper mysteries of life.
But here’s the thing: the Magi didn’t just admire the star from a distance.
They acted.
They left the comfort of their homes and set out on a long, difficult journey.
Friends, how often do we notice a light in our lives but hesitate to follow it? Maybe we fear the unknown, or cling to the comfort of the familiar and admire it from a distance.
The Magi challenge us with their example: when God’s light shines, don’t remain where you are: Rise up in splendor and follow!
Overcoming Obstacles and Discernment
Secondly, the journey of the Magi was not without its trials.In Jerusalem, they faced King Herod, a man whose expressed interest in the child hid a heart that was filled with fear and malice. (He had an agenda of his own). Herod symbolizes the darkness that tries to extinguish the lights. It is a reminder of the struggle between good and bad, between love and evil. And this is exactly where the Magi were: standing at the crossroad of truth and deception.
Most journeys are faced with challenges, obstacles, and crossroads. Along the way, we encounter our own “Herods.”
I am sure that most all of us have heard those voices that try to distract us from God’s light.
Whether it’s:
The voice of pride that says:
You don’t need God.
Or the attraction of materialism that whispers: This is all there is.
The fear of change that asks: What will people think?
These are obstacles and challenges that confront us on our journey.And here are the Magi who stood at their crossroads and opened their hearts to God’s voice.
But how do we find the right direction? How do we recognize the signs? The answer lies in discernment. Like the Magi, we must open our hearts to God’s voice.Through prayer, Scripture, and the wisdom of others, we can find the courage, trust and faith to choose the right path, even when the journey is difficult.
Finding the Light in Humility
Thirdly, when the Magi arrived at their destination, they didn’t find a palace, an army or a throne. They found a humble scene. Imagine these great scholars, these men of wealth and wisdom, bowing down before a poor child in a simple stall.
It’s a moment of incredible humility.
They knew they were in the presence of something far greater than gold or power.They saw the glory of God in the face of the little child.
Friends, this is the heart of Epiphany:
God reveals Himself not in the grandness of the world but in humility and simplicity.
And so often, He comes to us in the same way, in the quiet moments of prayer, in the faces of the poor, the sick, oppressed and those who quietly suffer. He comes to us in the ordinary moments of life.
Bringing Our Gifts and Being Transformed
And finally, the Magi didn’t come empty-handed. They brought gifts for a king, for God, for the one who would suffer for us. They were more than treasures; they were offerings of their hearts.
What about us? Do we come empty-handed? What gifts do we bring to Christ? Perhaps it’s our time, our talents, our love. Or maybe it is our willingness to forgive, to serve, or to let go of our pride.
And here’s the beautiful part: when the Magi left, they didn’t go back the same way. They went home by another route.
Why?
Because an encounter with Jesus changes you.You can’t go back to life as it was before.
Friends, the story of the Magi is our story.
It’s a story of seeking, finding and sharing. So, rise up! Your light has come!
Bring your gifts to the manger and then let the light of Christ shine through you.
And through you His light will shine in the world.
Amen.