Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

FR MICHAEL BIBLICAL IMAGERY

(Fr Michael Boakye Yeboah: Vice Rector of St Gregory Seminary, Kumasi-Ghana)

THE STAR

            The Christmas story is limited and unlimited. Limited in the sense that Jesus’ manifestation was precisely linked with the restoration of Israel but it became unlimited as a sign and star to the nations. Limited because in time he came to his own but his own did not accept him and so Israel still awaits the Messiah. The nations’ acceptance of him has open the unlimited doors of blessedness to them. The blessedness Israel awaits to enjoy, we have been experiencing for over two thousand years since our kings went to pay him homage. Whenever we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, we celebrate the gift of the star that led us to happiness in Jesus Christ.

            The Feast of Epiphany is God’s manifestation to the nations. The Gospel depicts the arrival of the Gentile astrologers who have seen the rising of the star of redemption and have followed it. Through an unusual star in the midst of customary constellations God sent a message to them that shocked them and made them ready to listen, while Israel had become so accustomed to God’s Word that it had become deaf to such revelations, wishing not to be disturbed in the normal course of its dynasties.

            We pray that in a world that some people are losing the sense of God, our minds will be directed back to God. We pray for a star to guide our ways so that we will not lose focus. Let us not seek help from any source for our Lord is here – manifesting himself to us in his word and sacraments. As if caught up in slumber, Isaiah in the first reading calls on Jerusalem to brighten up, since she seems unwilling to recognize her Redeemer. Thus, he tells her, “Rise up in splendor, for your light has come.” Jerusalem has no light of her own, even when she thinks she does, yet she shall see nations and kings coming with their treasure, not to her but to her light. And only in this light can she gather herself together out of the diaspora that has descended on her.

            This message goes for us in our contemporary world. Some people have all their hopes in the material things of this world and those who see themselves as custodians of those material things, but have forgotten the Lord who created the material things and the people who call themselves custodians of those things. Material things cannot define the worth of a man neither can a human being enhance the ontology of himself. What man wishes to become is in the hands of his maker and until like the three wise men, man surrenders to the Lord all that he gains, his gains can be summed-up in the words of Qoheleth, “Vanity of vanities, all remain vanity.” At the beginning of the year let us come and kneel before our maker and re-dedicate ourselves to him.

            If the star of Judah guides you then you can be sure that you will see the end of 2022 and beyond. Let us ask Jesus, the star of Judah to guide us once again in 2022 as he guided us in 2021. It shall be well with you in Jesus Name.