I did not anticipate nor do I particularly wish to write about the state of politics in our nation. I believe, however, that this week’s events necessitate comment and an attempt to see the events from a gospel perspective.

The events to which I refer, of course, are those of this past Wednesday, January 6th. In the Church year, January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany, that occasion on which we celebrate the visitation of the Magi to the Christ Child. The Epiphany presents an opportunity for us to recognize that Jesus is the Light of God that came into the world to help people understand the very nature of God’s love. We recognize also that the Light of Christ lives and shines in the lives of those who are willing to live the Way of Love.

One characteristic of light is that it allows us to see that which, without its presence, might remain hidden. Light helps us to see things as they really are.

Since the presidential election on November 3rd, there have been a great number of untruths spoken; or rather it has been the same untruth spoken in various forms continuously. The untruth spoken has been that the current President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, was the actual victor in the election and that, somehow, someway, a grand conspiracy has been successful in granting the victory to Joe Biden. Evidence in support of this claim has been scant. When tested in courtrooms, numerous judges have heard the merits of the claim and have ruled against. And yet, that has not kept a small number of very prominent people from continuing to proclaim the untruth. Chief among those who have continued the propagation has been the President himself.

This past Wednesday, as the Congress was attempting to go about the constitutionally mandated process of certifying the ballots provided to them from each state, a large number of people believing the untruths told them, became enraged and sought an outlet for their anger. Barriers were breached, and the protesters turned insurrectionists stormed the Capitol building. A number of people were injured, four were killed. Across this nation and the world, shock and dismay were prevalent as the very symbol of our democracy was assaulted. The likes of what occurred on Wednesday has not been experienced in our country. January 6th will henceforth be remembered as a day of infamy.

What happened on Wednesday is not new to humanity, however. The efforts of the powerful to retain power has often led them to do outrageous and heinous acts. Indeed, the very story that is read on the Feast of the Epiphany is that of the Magi. In the story, King Herod, fearing that, somehow, someway, a baby boy born to a powerless Jewish woman could dethrone him, comes to the Wise Ones and tries to elicit their aid. “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

Of course Herod had no intention of worshipping. His intention was to kill a baby so that he might retain power. Herod’s conversation with the Magi must be held in secret because the plan that Herod hatches is based on an evil lie. The Magi are wise and courageous enough, however, to keep from being ensnared in Herod’s plan. The plan, nevertheless, is executed. True to form, the plan, based on untruth, results in violence and the death of many innocents. Untruth left unchecked will almost always result in violence of some sort. Untruth, when continuously declared and propagated and complicitly ascribed to is at the heart of darkness.

Into the darkness of a world of violence and untruths, Jesus is born. He comes as a light into the darkness. He comes as the Prince of Peace into a world of violence. He comes bearing life, not death. The Gospel of John tells us that “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” And this is certainly great good news, worthy of all the joy and merriment that we can muster. But there is something in these words of John that is very important to note… there is still darkness. John tells us the whole truth. God is not afraid of the darkness. God does something about the darkness. But there is still darkness. And if you’ve lived a few years in this world, you know the painful truth of that statement.

So, what are we to do? As those walking in the Way of Jesus, we are called to proclaim and live the great good news of hope and joy that the Light of God has invaded this old world of untruths and darkness and despair. And untruths and darkness and despair are no match for the Light of God. They cannot extinguish the light that Christ brings. Believe this truth. Proclaim the truth. Know this truth in the deepest parts of your heart and soul.

But know this also… there is still darkness, my friends. Herod was not the first to plummet into the mire of lies and violence and darkness. Our President won’t be the last to do so. And God is counting on us to carry the very same inextinguishable light of Christ into all corners of darkness on this earth. So gird up thy loins you Children of the Living God. Rise up, you Bearers of the Light. Pray and speak and organize and labor and persist and endure and try and try and try again… until all the world is ablaze with the Light and the Love of God!

~Father Art