FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2021
(Part 12)
LIKE THE MAGI
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
January 3, 2021
Today’s readings:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-13
Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
Then as it is now, “darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples” (Is 60:2a). Today the world is in the darkness of sin and evil. Thick clouds obscure the sight of the peoples, and thus they do not see the truths of God and His ways. But God is still always there, and “upon you the Lord will dawn, and over you his glory will be seen.” (Is 60:2b).
Jesus is the light of the world. However, in order for that light to truly shine forth in the world, we are to be the light of the world, and bring the Lord’s light to all. This is where it all falls apart, as God’s people today are not about the work of being light to the world.
This is what we as MFC need to be mindful of, as we live out our theme for this year, to be light to the nations and an instrument of salvation for all. Just like Paul, we have been given “the stewardship of God’s grace” for the benefit of others (Eph 3:2). We are called to be apostles (those sent) and prophets, and we must have an “insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Eph 3:4-5). We must know “that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Eph 3:6).
Jesus’ rightful dominion is the whole world. “May all kings bow before him, all nations serve him.” (Ps 72:11). All nations are to be led and guided by the Lord. “Nations shall walk by your light, kings by the radiance of your dawning.” (Is 60:3). This is what can happen if and when we do our work of evangelization with passion. We proclaim that Jesus is Savior, Lord and King. “May he rule from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth.” (Ps 72:8).
So we lead the way. We look to the magi, as “they were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Mt 2:10-11). We rejoice at being brought into the light of Christ, we bow down before our Lord in worship, and we offer our gifts of time, talent and treasure.
And we never “return to Herod” (Mt 2:12), to a world of murderous ways, of injustice, of oppression, and of darkness.
