Light and Life

We use the term “epiphany” to describe a sudden realization, or a connection that was made by the unconscious mind, when everything was made clear. Epiphanies often come at moments when we may not expect them: while driving, walking, or even in the shower. In the Church, Epiphany is the season where we focus on the Light which has come into the world. In an unexpected, obscure corner of the Roman Empire about 2,000 years ago, a Child was born who was Light and Life Himself. Christ is the source of Life, and throughout His life He revealed the Light of God to the world.
This epiphany, the coming of Christ into our fallen world signaled the start of a new dawn, a new day in the history of God’s people. No longer would sin, death, and despair be the rule of life in the world, no longer would hopelessness and despair mark the passage of time. The great Advent hymn “Savior of the Nations, Come” also has themes relevant to Epiphany. The hymn proclaims what Christ’s birth means for the darkness of the world: “From the manger, newborn Light shines in glory through the night. Darkness there no more resides; in this light faith now abides.” The Child who was born of Mary was born to scatter the darkness and bring Light, true and lasting Light, to all the dark corners of our world. This Child was the fullness of God, clothed in flesh, who came to seek and save the lost.
The Magi, the wise men who traveled from afar, were among the first to come to pay homage. They gave their precious gifts and recognized their King in the face of a young Child. They saw the light of the star which led them to the Light, the Son of God who came to dwell among us. He came to save those who did not know Him and performed healing and miracles to confirm His divinity. They were not cheap parlor tricks or illusions. The Lord of Life Himself walked among men and healed their afflictions. He made them new, restoring that which was broken and bringing the dead back to life. Where He gave Life, He gave Light. He enlightened blind eyes and gave faith to see the truth of God in the flesh.
Let us ever hold fast to this Light as He shows us the way to heaven. Let us always come to where Light and Life have promised to be and worship our Lord together as one united body and receive His Sacraments. Light has entered the world, and He will banish the darkness from every heart.
May you have a blessed Epiphany and happy new year.
Pastor Pope