January 6, 2002

The bright light of the star in today's Gospel revealed to the astrologers the place where Jesus lay, and in the Feast of the Epiphany, the bright light of Jesus reveals to us the universality of God's reconciling love.

George panicked, "Where are we? I can't see a thing!" Their only flashlight had died and they could not possibly find their way back to camp in the dark without it. We can't keep going. We will just have to wait until dawn." They huddled together getting colder and colder, and falling in and out of sleep. It was John who saw it first - the blessed full moon and it's bright light revealing the way out of the woods, the way back to their friends camp.

Today's readings are filled with revealing light - the light of Israel revealing God's glory to all nations - the light of Christ revealing God's universal love - the light of the star revealing Jesus to the astrologers - the light of faith revealing Herod's true intentions and "another route" home. The light of God's love brings together God's chosen people and their pagan neighbor nations, Jews, Gentiles, a poor Jewish family, and three rich Asian astrologers. The Feast of the Epiphany invites us to rejoice in the universal and reconciling love that is revealed through Jesus. It invites us to let the bright light of Christ guide us and shine through us, revealing God's reconciling love to a love starved world.

God's revelation continues. Every Sunday the Eucharist offers a new revelation of God's universal reconciling love. Every person is equal in receiving the gift of "God made flesh" in communion. All are united and our lives are linked in the one Body we become together.

SO THE QUESTION: WHAT BRINGS MORE UNITY AND LESS DIVISION IN THE WORLD?

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