WE SAW THE RISING OF HIS STAR (MT. 2:2)

Today we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany.  When I was listening to the Gospel only two things came into my mind: First, “We saw his star.” (Mt. 2:2) and the second, “When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Mt. 2:3) First I would like to reflect on King Herod.  When he heard, “where is the newborn king of the Jews?” he got troubled.  The reason is, as many of us know, because of desire and fear.  He desired the throne and when he felt the child as a potential threat for that desire he feared.  I am not interested to give a deep theological interpretation of this passage.  All I want is to have a simple reflection. In our life when we desire for something or some position and find others who are more capable than us and think that they are potential threat for our desire, then we have fear. This fear leads to anger and frustration.  Let us not think about others as a threat, who knows in times of our trouble they will be the first one to help us.  “Live in peace with one another. Do not dream of extraordinary things; be humble and do not hold yourselves as wise.” (Romans 12:16)

Second, “We saw his star.” (Mt. 2:2) when I read this phrase I remember always, which is in the first reading, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.  The Glory of Yahweh rises upon you.  Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:1,3) In my personal reflection we are the stars that show or lead the path to Jesus.  This also corresponds to the words of Jesus, “In the same way your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do and praise your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16)  Further, Jesus calls us to shine and to shed light to others, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)  We are the stars of this modern age to lead men and women, young and old, far and wide to Jesus by letting our light of love and goodness to shine before the nations. “No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead it is put on a lamp stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Mt. 5:15) So, let us shine before the nations so that they will see the star and KNOW JESUS.

ARISE AND SHINE.... (Isaiah 60:1)

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN... (Matthew 5:16)