Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Monday after Epiphany, Januray 5th, 2026

Delivered by Novi from the Parish of Holy Spirit Cathedral in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. 1 John 3: 22 - 4: 6; Rs psalm 2: 7-8.10-11; Matthew 4: 12-17.23-25.FOLLOWING THE LIGHTOF THE STAR The title for ourmeditation today is: Following the Light of the Star. The epiphany orappearance of the Lord to the whole world, which was marked by the visit of thethree Magi who presented their offerings to the baby Jesus, is still veryinspiring to us. They finally chose another path after meeting and offeringthemselves to the Lord. This choice is very meaningful in the journey of faith. Choosing another pathmeans change happpens after someone meets God. His almighty power and gracemake a person can not be the same as before. Here we should understand that thestar that guided them to the stable of Bethlehem remained radiant and continuedguiding them to go on in their lives following the new path they chose. Thestar is God Himself who by His Spirit governs and illuminates every step ofhuman life. Lord Jesus is ourstar. Each one of us can say "He is my real star". People today liketo choose their favorite stars whether in sports or in other fields such asmusic, film and politics. But with regards to the call of life and salvation ofour souls, we have only one star, namely Jesus Christ whose birth anniversarywe have just celebrated on December 25th. Our journey of life from thebeginning of the new year 2026 should be under the guidance of the starlight ofJesus Christ. According to theinspiration of our readings today, there are at least three strengths of thestarlight of Jesus Christ. The first is the light of repentance. The power ofthis light is able to change hearts and minds that tend to resist the path ofJesus Christ. It began with the King Herod and all of Jerusalem who weredoubtful, surprised or unbelieving in the presence of Jesus the Savior. Jesushimself, according to the Gospel of Matthew today, calls for repentance. It'stime to repent, and don't let this special time go away without repentance. Second is the lightof prayer and determination. A good relationship with God needs to be fosteredby the spirit of prayer and living out the true faith. Without these twoelements, the relationship will become rigid and eventually die. The firstletter of John in the first reading calls it as our praise and request to God,which should become the content of our prayers. Third is the light of service.Jesus is our main star in the ministry, and today he is giving us an example byteaching and preaching the gospel, eliminating pain and suffering that impedepeople's normal life, and casting out evil spirits that torment the lives ofthose who are possessed. Service is an expression of love itself. Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O generous and loving God, may we always obey your will through our wordsand deeds that can bring change in our common life with our neigbors. Hail Mary,full of grace... In the name of the Father ...