Lesson of the Week: Christ, the Light of All the Nations

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

Are you familiar with "The Star", a 2017 American animated biblical comedy film inspired by the Nativity of Jesus? Gina Rodriguez, one of the stars, says she joined the movie because she wanted the audience to remember the beautiful story of Jesus's birth.

The original story of the birth of Jesus told by Matthew mentions a star that, through its light, led the Magi to seek and find Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). At the time Matthew wrote his Gospel, people believed that the star pointed to the divine realm that brought prosperity and protection.

Matthew writes that Jesus is the light. He wants people to know this and believe that Jesus is a divine light. This belief has profound theological and practical consequences in the life of the Church. Theologically, it shapes our understanding of God's presence and guidance in our lives. Practically, it calls us to live in a way that reflects this light to others, showing love, compassion, and justice.

The first words of the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) declare, "Christ is the Light of the Nations." It also states, "Because this is so, this Sacred Synod gathered together in the Holy Spirit eagerly desires, by proclaiming the Gospel to every creature, to bring the light of Christ to all men, a light brightly visible on the countenance of the Church." The Church, as the Body of Christ, is called to bring that light to all men through its members, who are to live and share the Gospel in their daily lives.

All people need that light. Saint John believes and proclaims that Jesus is the light: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). The Christian Trinitarian tradition sees Jesus as the inextinguishable light that brings joy to its presence in the saddest moments of life.

However, there are various attempts to stop the light from shining. Herod the Great, who lived in darkness and wickedness, wanted to take the light out of the world with his extraordinary political power. The modern world, with its materialism, consumerism, and secularism, has tried to extinguish the light of Christ and replace it with illusion and deceit. We must be aware of these attempts and strongly believe that neither power nor worldly distractions can extinguish his light.

Since he is the divine light, he enlightens all people, regardless of their religion, ethnic background, political interests, social status, etc. His light is not exclusive, but for all nations. He is born to the world for all people, making us part of a global community united by his light.

The Magi, wise men from the East, represent the people of the non-Jewish world who seek and worship Jesus, the light of the nations. Now, many people from different countries are looking for Jesus. The Church, through its members, plays a crucial role in making Jesus known to them, empowering us to be integral to this mission.

They carry out that responsibility by proclaiming the Good News in words and deeds. The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is a reminder for all of us. After knowing and experiencing the mystery of the celebration, we are to go and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the light of the nations. The Jim Henson Company has made a movie to introduce Jesus to millions of movie viewers. This should inspire us to find our own ways to proclaim Christ, the light of the nations, and share his light with the world.