The Challenge of Epiphany

Today is the traditional date for the observance of Epiphany.  Many dioceses, and even non-Catholic Christians cling to it. The readings this week will refer to the theme of "light" and the mission of Jesus (and us) to be a "light to the nations" "The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, a light has shown."  (Mt 4: 16).  The infant we just worshiped with the Magi has become an adult who is seeking to fulfill his mission:  "He went around all of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing eery disease and illness among the people.  ..they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them: (Mt 4: 23-25). He wasted no time.
We are called to continue this ministry, to drive out the demons of war which continue to traumatize veterans, the demons of brokenness, of failure, of division, hopelessness and despair.  An impossible task?  It so happens that we remember Br. Andre Bessette, the diminutive Holy Cross Brother, thought to be too frail to enter the Brothers of the Holy Cross, but who lived till his 80's, and became responsible for the building of St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal and, through his intercession, the cure of many crippled in body and spirit.  We remember also, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, who in his brief life (died at 23) cared for the sick and is the  patron of those with chronic illnesses.  No excuses.  If these men, "weak" as they were, could be God's instruments of light and healing, so can we.  No task is beyond us if God's light is guiding us.
Bro. Rene