EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (YEAR A, B, C)

1st Reading       Isaiah 60: 1-6

Psalm                  Ps. 72: 1-2.7-8.10-11.12-13 (R. cf. 11)

2nd Reading     Ephesians 3:2-3a.5-6

Gospel                Matthew 2:1-12

BE SUSTAINED IN FAITH AND HOPE

Dear friends, today is the second Sunday of January and the second Sunday of the year. Today, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. This feast reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness. Epiphany means "shining upon something." Carried further, the feast helps us to know the manifestation of Christ to the world; manifestation as "the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it" (Jn. 1: 5). 

The first reading for this Sunday mentions the word 'light' two times (v. 1 and v. 3). The idea communicated is that there is darkness (Isaiah 60:2). Remember that we are reading from Isaiah 60, and it falls within the third division of the book of Isaiah (Chap. 56-66). It is a section that describes the return from Babylon and the restoration of the Temple (Jerusalem/Zion). The immediate past event of the exile could be seen as a dark moment for Israel. Even so, there is an impending darkness even upon returning from exile. It is a crisis of faith. Some Israelites felt that there was no hope of a complete restoration even when the Lord redeemed them from exile. But there comes the news and announcement of the near triumph of light over darkness. 

The first reading, I believe, describes two types of darkness — the darkness that covers the earth and the darkness that envelopes you (Isa. 60: 2). 

The first darkness is "CHOSHEK". It is the kind of darkness that tells you about sad situations (2 Sam. 22:29), about guilt (Ps. 35:6) and the night (Gen. 1: 2). It reminds you about the bad conditions of faith around you. CHOSHEK is the same word used in Genesis 1: 2 to describe the darkness of the world before creation. The implication is that in this darkness, you cannot see anything, you cannot see any other option. Your focus is on the bad and sad situations around you. 

CHOSHEK makes you start walking on a path that you know is dangerous and can lead you to further dangers. In that state, you will be deceived and missing forever. The world will present its allurements and pleasures. The world will be wicked to you, cruel to you, but in that state, make sure you take delight in two things — the hope of light, and the fact that you have to be a witness to the light. Remember the option of light and witness to it. 

The second darkness is ARAPHEL (  ). This is a kind of darkness that makes you lose your faith. I believe that it stems from the darkness of the world (CHOSHEK). The ARAPHEL puts you in a state of gloom, a state of depression. For many people, it is very difficult to find the option of light. They cannot see a sign of hope. Despite it, Isaiah says that "the Lord will rise upon you" (Isaiah 60:2). 

Jerusalem shall arise and shine because there is hope. What is in Jerusalem? It is the Temple of the Lord. Then what did St. Paul, say you are? "You are the Temple of God" (1 Cor. 3: 17). Never cling to ARAPHEL, and never allow yourself to be in that state of hopelessness even to the point of despair. 

For the Israelites, there is a promise of the return of what they had lost — their "sons and daughters" (Isa. 60:4). These stand for the strength of the city, the future of Jerusalem. Additionally, the productive and industrial parts and the influences of the city will be restored (Isaiah 60: 6). That is the triumph of the light over the darkness that makes you lose faith because of the presentation of sad and bad situations. 

The Gospel goes on to see the triumph of light over darkness in the event of the birth of the Messiah. He becomes the fulfilment of the promise of God. The Magi witnessed it. They did not lose faith in their search for the light that shines in the darkness. 

In the Gospel, we see the two kinds of darkness reflected in the personalities of the gospel. The Scribes and Elders are to CHOSHEK, and Herod is to ARAPHEL. These two are set against the Wisemen who even in the darkness could identify a star brightening up the world and follow it.

Dear friends, the Word of God for this Sunday teaches us about two kinds of darkness that may mare our faith and turn us away from the path of hope. It assures us of the triumph of light over the darkness. May we never lose faith because God will surely manifest his greatness and power as he has been born. As a king, he will fight for us; as a priest, he will be our sacrifice; and as a prophet, he will speak to our consciences never to lose faith.

Happy Sunday.

Pax et Bonum.