To Every Nation: The Light That Draws All Hearts

Voice over by Carol San San Lwin

Isa 60:1-6, Psalm: 71, Eph 3:2-3a.5-6, Mt 2:1-12

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On this glorious Solemnity of the Epiphany, the Church proclaims a truth that forever shatters any narrow understanding of God’s love: the salvation wrought in Christ is destined for every human heart, without exception. The light that dawned in Bethlehem was not a private glow for a chosen few, but a radiant beacon for the entire world, drawing all peoples out of darkness and into the brilliant dawn of God’s merciful love.

The Prophet Isaiah sets the stage with a breathtaking vision: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come… Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.” This is no mere earthly prosperity; it is a prophecy of the Church, the new Jerusalem, illumined by Christ Himself. The Magi, these mysterious figures from the East, are the first fruits of this prophecy. They are the “kings” and “nations” streaming toward the Light. Their journey symbolizes the longing of every human soul for truth, for meaning, for God. Pope Francis reminds us that “the Magi were not satisfied with a life of appearances, with a conventional existence… They were unsettled by the star.” Like them, we are called to be unsatisfied with the dim shadows of the world and to seek the true Light.

In the Gospel, we see the dramatic contrast between those who seek the Light and those who reject it. The Magi, foreigners and pagans, undertake a long, arduous journey, guided by faith and a humble desire to adore. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, King Herod and the chief priests—those who possess the prophecies and should have been the first to welcome the Messiah—are troubled, consumed by fear, pride, and a desperate clinging to their own power. The mystery of the Epiphany reveals that God’s revelation is offered to all, but it is the humble and seeking heart that finds it.

This is the “mystery” St. Paul speaks of in our second reading: “that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” The Magi’s adoration fulfills this astounding truth. The wall of separation between Jew and Gentile is broken down. Salvation is universal. As Pope Benedict XVI beautifully expressed, “The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star.”

Their gifts, too, are a profound catechesis. Gold acknowledges the Infant King; frankincense, His divine majesty; and myrrh prophetically points to His sacrificial death. In adoration, they offer the world’s treasures back to their true Source and purpose.

What does this mean for our daily lives?

1. Be a Light-Bearer: Isaiah’s command, “Rise up in splendor… upon you the LORD shines,” is addressed to us, the Church. In a world often shrouded in the darkness of despair, cynicism, and sin, we are called to reflect the light of Christ through our joy, our mercy, and our unwavering hope. As St. Teresa of Calcutta often said, “We must become holy, not because we want to feel holy, but because Christ must be able to live His life in us.”
2. Embrace the Universal Mission: The Epiphany condemns all forms of prejudice and exclusivity in the Church. We must actively welcome everyone, recognizing that Christ came for all people, cultures, and social conditions. Every person we meet is a potential Magi, a seeker whom God is drawing to Himself, perhaps through our kindness.
3. Offer Your Gifts: The Magi did not come empty-handed. What gifts has the Lord given you—your time, your talents, your resources? Offer them to Him in adoration. Use them not for your own glory, but for the building up of His Kingdom and the service of your neighbor.

The journey of the Magi is our journey. We are all seekers, drawn by the star of God’s grace, called to leave behind the comfortable “Herods” of our lives—our pride, our attachments, our fears—to adore the King. This Epiphany, let us renew our own adoration. Let us approach the altar, the new Bethlehem, and offer Him our hearts, so that, filled with His light, we may go forth to make His love manifest to every nation, tribe, and tongue.

May the star of faith always guide us, and may the light of Christ, revealed to all nations, shine through us forever. Amen.