January 5
The Epiphany of the Lord
“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
Readings
Reflection
Today in the gospel reading, we celebrate the manifestation of Christ to the Magi. Their arrival is the fulfillment of today’s first reading. The prophet Isaiah says, “Rise up in splendor Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.”
Last week, we celebrated the coming of the light into the world, and now that light is brought to all people. It is up to us to bring that light to all people. It’s quite simple. If you light a candle in a darkened room, you will see the light from a few feet away, but if multiple people light a candle then the light is much brighter.
The same goes for our faith in the sense that if we are all strong in our faith and let the light of Christ shine in our hearts, then we will radiate the light in the same way.
We are called to be the light of the world meaning that even in the midst of darkness we allow ourselves to be filled with the light of God’s goodness. How can you be a light for those in darkness today? I invite you to take some time and pray in a special way for those you know are struggling right now. I also invite you to pray for the Church, not just the church of Holy Cross, but also the Church universal. Often, we forget that our Church is much bigger than the church of Holy Cross or the church of the Diocese of Syracuse.
That is the beauty of our faith, that at any given moment, we are united with Catholics all over the world who are praying for various things whether it is for the betterment of souls or for the Church universal.
We ask the Lord for his intercession this week and to teach us how to love each other, fill the world with our light through prayer, and be that light for those in darkness.
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