What draws you to Christ?
We are naturally drawn to light. Isaiah encourages the people of Israel to look forward to a time after their return to Jerusalem when that city will serve as a source of light for others: Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. This light comes from God; its purpose is twofold: first, so that the people of Israel themselves see the glory of God and all that God reveals; and second, so that other nations see the glory of God revealed in the Jerusalem’s prosperity. The people’s hearts shall throb and overflow with the light that is God’s very presence, a light that will draw all, even kings, to God. For the power of God is at work in kings as much as in the people themselves, as Psalm 72 reminds us: kings shall judge your people with justice, thanks to the gift of the light of wisdom, a revelation from God.
Matthew’s Gospel makes it clear that the light of revelation is not given only to the Jewish people: magi from the east come to Bethlehem to seek the newborn king of the Jews. They are of pagan origin, yet they see the light of the star, and receive and follow the revelation from God, an epiphany that leads them to Jesus. The light affords them clearer vision to see and participate in the good news of Christ. In his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul will echo Matthew’s understanding that the message of salvation is for all humankind: the mystery was made known to me by revelation that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise. Paul sees Gentiles hearing the Word and responding to it; God shows no partiality or exclusivity.
We don’t fully understand God’s will or God’s kingdom in its complete form; mystery remains attached to God’s plan. Christ himself is that plan, a plan that is still unfolding because we do not yet have the light to see and understand Christ in his fullness. But the light of salvation draws us to Jesus just as surely as it drew the magi. Let us watch for our star and do him homage, recognizing the great gift that is ours, the gift of salvation revealed for all.
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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