Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we celebrate the glorious feast of the Epiphany – a moment when the world was illuminated by the light of Christ made manifest to all nations. It is a day that reminds us of divine guidance, hope, and the universal scope of God’s salvation.

In our Gospel reading (Matthew 2:1-12), the wise men from the East are guided by a star – an extraordinary celestial sign that leads them to the newborn King. The star symbolizes God’s guiding hand, a divine light shining in the darkness, illuminating the path toward truth, righteousness, and salvation.

Just as the star directed the Magi, God continues to guide us today. His light cuts through the darkness of confusion, despair, and sin, leading us toward good and eternal life. The star invites us to keep our eyes open for God’s signs in our lives – His Word, His grace, and His providence – so that we may follow His lead faithfully.

Isaiah (60:1-6) proclaims: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” This passage calls us to awaken from spiritual slumber, to rise and radiate the light of Christ in our lives. The divine guidance we receive is not merely for personal salvation but for the illumination of the world around us.

The Magi’s journey is a symbol of our own spiritual pilgrimage. We trust in God’s guidance, even when the path is uncertain. They traveled afar, guided by the star, to worship the Lord. Similarly, we are called to follow God’s signs, to seek His presence actively, and to allow His light to transform us and those we encounter.

A crucial part of the story is the warning given to the Magi: “Do not go back to Herod.” Herod represents the forces of falsehood, violence, and deception; those who seek to manipulate and destroy God’s plan. The phrase “do not go back to Herod” resonates deeply with every Christian: it reminds us to avoid returning to destructive habits, harmful influences, or any form of spiritual Herodism that seeks to divert us from God’s path.

In our lives, this means standing firm against temptation, corruption, or any shortcuts that lead us away from God’s truth. It is a call to discernment – to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to choose the path of righteousness, even when it is difficult.

Let us pray for the grace to heed God’s guidance, to reject whatever leads us away from Him, and to be shining lights in our communities, reflecting the glory of Christ, who is the Light of the nations.

~ Happy New year ~

Your Priest,

Father Anthony Dim