Following The Star

How fast the days have flown by since Christmas; new Epiphany, often referred to as "Little Christmas" for in some countries in imitation of the gifts of the Magi, this is the day of gift-giving.
We barely have time to pause and reflect on this significant solemnity, so catapulted from one event to another are we.  Not so for the Magi, who came from the East and for months, with great sacrifice, left the comfort of their homes to follow the star which was leading them to the newborn king.  Their sole purpose was to "pay him homage", to worship him.  (cf. Mt 2: 2).  As the prophet Isaiah had foretold, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." (Is 9:2).
We cannot deny, that despite our advances in technology, our wars to end all wars, our efforts to free ourselves from the bonds of slavery to opinion or injustice, we still live in darkness, we still search for the light. Each year as we retell this story, our hopes are stirred and the light glimmers for awhile. To keep it from dimming again, we need to look at the promising graces that abound despite the darkness.
Yesterday I attended a Court of Honor sponsored by the Boys Scouts of American, at which a young man received his Eagle Scout pin.  He was surrounded by adult scout leaders and young scouts, all of whom renewed their pledges to live lives that are "physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight"  These men and women are the stars that today provide the light of hope.  They will lead others to live exemplary lives and help the light of Christ brighten the darkness of our times.  In what ways can we all be bearers of the light?  Can we follow the path of self-discipline and sacrifice to "do homage to Jesus" by leading lives of faith, integrity and honor?
Bro. Rene