Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the Lord shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance. (Is 60:1-3)
Light.
Light dispels darkness. When a person is in the dark, that person strains to find light, any light at all. Why? Because the light will illuminate the ways around the person. It will keep someone on a path so that there is no blundering, no possibility of falling into a pit or trap. Light brings with it warmth and assurance. Light is so crucial to us.
Light is just as crucial to all life around us.
When we were young, we learned about the Ice Age that was inaugurated by a comet hitting the earth and casting so much sediment in the sky that the light was prevented from reaching the earth and warming it. Nor was a lot of plant life able to synthesize enough light to provide sustenance for itself. It the plants die, the animals that consume the plants die as well.
We call Christ our Light. As a matter of fact, that is the proclamation that we use at the Vigil Mass of Easter. Today, we recall the light in the sky that led the Magi to the Christ child. They followed the star, found the Lord, worshiped Him, gave Him gifts, and then returned back to their home fulfilled.
We follow the light of Christ each day of our lives. We, like the Magi, are on a journey as well. Our journey will take us to Jesus Christ at the end of our days. Allow the Lord to lead you. Following His light and His truth will never lead you astray.
FAITH ACTION: As a meditation practice today, reflect upon the journey of the Magi. Ask God to lead you by the light of His truth so that you may come one day to worship the Lord as well.