« …Our God is merciful. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from Heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace. » (Luke 1. Prophecy of Zechariah, the Benedictus).
This Star from on high, celebrated by Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, at the Birth of the Forerunner, was announced from ancient times, by the famous prophecy of Balaam (Numbers 24) : « the tents of Jacob are beautiful ! And your houses, Israël !… A hero is growing in his family line, who dominates many peoples… I see Him – but not for now, I notice Him – but not close by : a star born of Jacob becomes leader, a sceptre rises, born of Israël « . And the tradition of the Church thus interpret the appearance of the star, which guides the wise men fromthe East to adore the Chisl of Bethlehem (see Matthew 2). As the accomplishment of this prophecy of Balaam. And in Apocalypse 22, Jesus Himself announces to the seer : « I am descended from the family of David, the bright morning star ». According to the prophecy of Zechariah, which we are quoting today, this Star is revealed as the manifestation of « feelings of Mercy of our God » – another possible translation : « the feelings of the Heart of our God » – the Heart of Jesus is our Star which shines in our night, in the night of this world : « … until day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your heart » (2 Peter 1). It is this manifestation of light which is the Christ that we celebrate on this day of the Epiphany… manifestation of the feelings of the Heart of our God…
Prayer :
Christ, Saviour of all, light of the light of the Father, true God born of God… If your Heart suffered the wound of the cruel spear , it is to cleanse us from our sins in the water and the blood which flow from it.
