The Catholic Church concludes the Christmas season by celebrating the Baptism of Our Lord. Today’s first reading comes from the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied to the Israelites during the Babylonian Exile in the middle of the sixth century before Christ. In this time of darkness, Isaiah proclaimed, “Here is my servant whom I uphold… upon whom I have put my spirit.” God’s messenger came to the people at their lowest point, promising that a servant would restore justice, peace, and hope.
Just as the Magi journeyed without a map, trusting in a single star, we are called to navigate the "artificial lights" of modern distractions—wealth, status, and noise—to find the true Light of Christ. By cultivating silence and prayer, we can quiet the chaos of our daily lives and discern God's gentle voice. This Epiphany, learn how to look past the dazzling distractions of the world to find the humble Child who illuminates the darkness.