Untitled Homily
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Symbolic Star
We often see people decorating the Christmas season with many stars. So, what is the meaning of the star on Christmas Day?
Star, Latin: Stella: is a natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night.
In the Gospel according to Matthew, Magi said, “We saw his star at its rising”
According to many exegetes, it was a common ancient belief that a new star appeared at the time of a ruler’s birth. St. Matthew also draws upon the Old Testament story of Balaam, who had prophesied that “A star shall advance from Jacob and a scepter shall rise from Israel” (Nm 24:17), though the star means not an astral phenomenon but the king himself. Jesus is the King of kings.
The nature of the star is illuminating. Jesus is the star; He led the way for the Magi to come to worship Him. Jesus was also the sun of justice to enlighten the world because He himself said, "I am the light of the world" (Jn 9:5). He is both the sun and the star for everyone.
The star Jesus led the way for Magi to find the truth. He is the source of light that enlightens everyone. So, to gain true happiness and not to lose the way, we have to follow His light and his guide when doing everything as Magi did.
Each of us also has to be a star that takes the light from Jesus to enlighten those who are in dark around us to find the truth and the joy.
Story: Lighthouse.
On a rainy night, the lighthouse lost power. The lighthouse in charge hurriedly lit up a small candle and held the candle along the stairway up to the terrace to light the light. At that time, the candle asked the person in charge:
Where are you taking me?
He replied:
- I take you to the rooftop to illuminate the ships from outside the sea knowing the way back and dock safely.
The candle said:
- But I'm just a little candle like this, so how can the ships see my light?
The person in charge replied:
- Now I just needed you not to be blown off by the wind. There were other things I have got to take care of.
When the two reached their destination, the man in charge lit the fire with the candle and in a moment the light from the lantern glowed around. (This lantern has been designed so that when needed can be used instead of electric bulbs.) Its light has the power to illuminate the sea so that the ship can easily navigate to return safely.