We have all heard the expression “his face shines” at some point. It usually refers to someone whose inner peace is visible, “shining” on their face. Experiencing something like this leaves a lasting impression.
In today’s first reading, we heard: “Arise! Let your face shine! Your light has come! The Lord’s glory 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.” The prophet is referring to Jerusalem, its cities, and God’s people, who had been freed from slavery and were now returning from exile. He wanted to encourage the people, assuring them that the Lord was with them and would lead them, so they should not lose heart when facing challenges. The phrase “the Lord shines upon you” is particularly striking: your face shines because it reflects the Lord’s light.
Today, we are celebrating a beautiful feast, the Epiphany of the Lord, and it is fitting to ask ourselves: Does my face shine with the Lord’s light? When I encounter others, do I leave them with a sense of God in their lives or just the world?
A fascinating element in today’s Gospel is the star that guided the Magi to Jesus. Surely many people saw the star, but only the Magi understood its significance and allowed it to lead them to the Lord. Many others, when they saw the star, ignored it, while Herod and all of Jerusalem with him—the centre of power—were disturbed by it.
Today, the Word of the Lord must be our guiding star, and when we encounter this star, the reactions are similar to those in the Magi’s time. Faced with Jesus, who not only brought the Word of God but is the Word of God, how do I respond? Do I ignore Him, feel disturbed, or meet God?
The gifts offered by the Magi are also expressions of faith in Him: in that tiny child, they recognised God, offering Him incense, which is offered to God; they acknowledged Him as King by offering Him gold; and they also saw a man destined to suffer and die to redeem the world, offering Him myrrh, which was used in burial rites at the time.
Who is Jesus to me? If I ask myself this question honestly, what answer can I give from my heart? What importance does listening to the Word of God have in my life? How important is it for me not only to hear God’s Word but to understand it, seeking out groups, books, and opportunities that help me deepen my understanding? Above all, do I make an effort to live by the Word, or do I let it fade away like the wind?
All of us go through periods in life when darkness seems stronger than at other times, and the Lord also sends us a star in those moments to show us the way to Him. But we must lift our eyes to see it, take action, and move from where we’ve been stuck or grown accustomed to being in order to find the Lord. Only His light can reflect upon us and make our faces shine.
Years ago, outside a Protestant church, someone wrote this statement: “Wise men came to Jesus… and they still do.” What will you/I do?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, today You reveal Your identity to the world, that You are truly God made man for us. Grant us Your help so that we not only recognise who You are but, above all, accept You as our God, allowing You to work within us the salvation that only You can give. Amen.