That Light That Beckons
Julián Carrón - “Darkness covers the earth, and thick fog envelops the peoples,” we heard in the first reading from the prophet Isaiah. This is the situation of the world. Only those aware of this condition can truly understand the scope of the proclamation, through which we learn that God does not remain indifferent to our plight. What is the content of this proclamation? Isaiah continues: “Upon you, [Jerusalem], the Lord shines; his glory appears over you.” Only the splendor of His glory can overcome the darkness that covers the earth.
The newness of this proclamation is that it is addressed not only to the people of Israel, but through Israel to all nations—that includes all of us. We must not take this for granted. Without recognizing our need, we cannot properly celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, so we risk missing out on what is best. The Feast of Christmas makes us aware that God has become man. Until now, however, everyone who has benefited from this event belonged to the people of Israel: Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, her husband Zechariah, and the shepherds.
Only today is it revealed that the Child’s coming also concerns us, who are not naturally part of Israel by birth. We are all invited to share what the Israelites have already begun to enjoy. Therefore, Isaiah says, “Nations shall walk in your light, and kings in the splendor of your rising.” We are those nations! And Isaiah calls upon Israel to recognize this newness: “Lift your eyes all around and see—they have all gathered, they are coming to you.”
How do we know that Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled? Today’s Gospel presents the answer: “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem.” This historical fact opens the door for all people to what happened in Bethlehem. How did the Magi learn of the event? Was it their own idea? An invention of their imagination? The truly wise, aware of their darkness and their longing for a fullness they cannot otherwise find, are quick to recognize even the slightest sign.
They saw “a star arise.” It was the sign they had been waiting for—even though they did not know it until it appeared. Once they noticed this sign, they set out to worship Him, prompted by a need so deeply felt that even such a simple signal sparked their journey. Indeed, it takes great attentiveness not to miss such a small sign. A heart willing to receive it will not let it slip away. The people of Israel had many more signs at their disposal, yet many failed to notice them.
So, it is not a given that everyone will see. We may also ask, “Is it reasonable to undertake such a long journey for so small a sign?” When life urges us forward, we cannot ignore any hint of a response. Consider how many people travel far and wide for medical cures when they hear there might be a way to heal them. For those who suffer, it is completely reasonable to investigate every possible solution—even before it’s fully verified!
Yet, the Magi could not determine the exact place of the Child’s birth on their own, so they asked the members of Israel: “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” By posing this question, they made the people of Israel aware of the event: “When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
Gathering all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where Christ was to be born. They answered him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea … for from it shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” At this point, we see the difference between the Magi and the leaders of Israel.
Both groups know where the awaited event is, but only the Magi have the urgency to verify it for themselves. After listening to Herod, they went on their way. “And behold, the star they had seen at its rising went before them until it stopped over where the Child was. On seeing the star, they rejoiced exceedingly. Entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.”
Simply by following the star, they discovered what they had sought. What they longed for shone before their eyes in that Child's face—no one would have expected that this Child was precisely what they were looking for, but they knew it because they experienced the greatest joy. Like the shepherds, they recognized Him by the gladness that lit up their faces.
The Feast of Epiphany makes us aware, as St. Paul says in the second reading, that the mystery once kept hidden “has now been revealed.” What humanity seeks in darkness has now been revealed to Paul and the other apostles so that all nations—even those not born into Israel—are invited in Christ Jesus “to share in the same inheritance,” once reserved solely for the people of Israel.
This same dynamic repeats throughout Jesus’ public life, when everyone is faced with the small light of a star or the dazzling power of His miracles—His authoritative words that leave people amazed, prompting them to say, “We have never seen anything like this!” But the splendor of Christ’s presence, both then and now, does not reduce the drama; it intensifies it. Each of us is confronted with the same challenge, which Jesus sums up later in the Gospel: “I say to you that many will come from east and west [like the Magi] and sit at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven [enjoying this newness I have brought], while the children of the kingdom [who were called first but did not receive it] will be cast into the darkness” (Mt 8:11-12).
This drama remains alive. Each of us can verify whether we have truly welcomed the newness of this proclamation by the joy we experience today that touches our hearts.
Epiphany of the Lord - Year C - Notes from the homily by Julián Carrón Jan. 6, 2025 (First reading: Is 60:1-6; Psalm 71 (72); Second reading: Eph 3:2-3°.5-6; Gospel: Mt 2:1-12). The author has not revised its translation.
