Let’s Be Stars

Let’s Be Stars

Deacon Alex

Thank God, COVID measures have relaxed before Christmas. Yet, our economy is battered by the pandemic and yet to recover. Around the city, Christmas decorations are less radiant and less vibrant. In short, festive ambience is in short supply and our mood fails to reach the Christmas climax. Suddenly, we realize how much we rely on the commercials, which stimulate us to spend money, to remind us of the birth of Christ! How true it is for many of us, that there is no room in our hearts to welcome the Holy Infant (Luke 2:7).

Since childhood, we were told that three wise men came from the East to adore baby Jesus. The gospel of Matthew mentions that they offered three gifts, namely gold, frankincense and myrrh. Therefore, we assume that there were three wise men. Actually, the gospel is vague in the exact number. It leaves us room for imagination. Then came “The Other Wise Man”, a novel and later movies about the adventure of the fourth wise men. Compared with the Nativity story in Matthew, which reads more like power struggles among royals, this Fourth Wise Man is more heart-warming. I’m sure you have already heard of the story. If not, look up Wikipedia.

Despite the fact that throughout his journey Artaban, the Fourth Wise Man, failed to meet Jesus in person, he had already found Jesus the moment he helped a dying man. Later, Artaban sold his ruby to save a little boy in Bethlehem and lastly a precious pearl to ransom a slave girl in Jerusalem. In doing those works of mercy, Artaban actually did it for Jesus (Matthew 25:40)! This novel is heart-warming because who on earth have met Jesus in person? This story is narrating our actual experiences and gives us hope. Yes, we are able to meet Jesus when we extend a helping hand to the needy. This too is our aspiration. After all, the Holy Eucharist is only a sign in which Jesus is really present. How much we desire to meet Jesus in person! 【Editor: While we hold dear the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, we can also learn to see and serve His equally ‘real presence’ in the poor and the needy as He says in Mt. 25. May we grow in our desire to meet Jesus in the person of the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the prisoners and the sick!】

As time moves on, the meaning of some symbols have changed over time. Nowadays, we take “light” to symbolize truth. However, during the time the gospels were written, light symbolized something else. Take a look at the following gospel verse which becomes difficult to interpret if “light” symbolizes “truth”. John writes, “through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race” (John 1:4). What would “the truth of the human race” possibly mean? The gospel of Matthew shows the way: “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16). Therefore, during the Apostolic age, “light” means “charity” and “love”.

Brethren! We were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) and God is love (1 John 4:8). Therefore, we are capable of loving to some extent. Some are capable of loving slightly with reservations while others love more fervently. Some love only the loveable while others are able to love even their persecutors. In other words, we’re like stars shining in different luminosities. Furthermore, like the Star of Bethlehem which led the wise men to adore the Holy Infant, we too are stars leading people to meet the great light prophesized by the prophet. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone” (Isaiah 9:1).
Allow me to remind you, my dear readers, that the atmosphere is not always clear and most of the time turbulent. Sometimes, dark clouds may block even sunlights, not to mention our twinkling star lights. But one thing is certain. Dark clouds do not last. So, don’t complain about darkness. Keep shining, however flickling our star lights are, to lead the people in darkness to our merciful Lord, the great light in which our lights will merge! “The one who perseveres to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13), pledged the Lord who is certainly faithful. Amen!