Epiphany 2026
Epiphany with all its readings makes one point absolutely clear: The Light of God has come to us! This is the Light with which each of us who are baptized have been entrusted…why? Not to put it under a bushel basket, nor to bury it off in some field somewhere. We are entrusted with this “Star-Light” for one reason… to illuminate the path to God the Father for all to see!
And what exactly does this look like? In a word… DISCIPLESHIP. (Or more accurately, Intentional Discipleship, because bearing Christ’s Light doesn’t just happen… we each must choose to make it happen.)
So, using Jesus’ most famous preaching (the sermon on the mount) let me show you what being a “Star-Light” disciple looks like….
“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
A disciple of Jesus is a LISTENER, a listener for God’s will and God’s movement in the world. Remember, “listening” essentially means “obedience.” Be obedient to God.
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.”
A disciple of Jesus is a SERVANT, for as Jesus teaches us,“the greatest among you will be the servant of all.”
“Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
A disciple of Jesus is a CROSS CARRIER, for again Jesus teaches us that “unless you take up your cross and follow me you cannot be my disciple.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
A disciple of Jesus is an INSTRUMENT OF PEACE. This beatitude speaks to us that a disciple does not perpetuate a cycle of violence in our relationships… grudges held, resentment nourished, or jealousy embraced.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the land.”
A disciple of Jesus is a HUMBLE PERSON, finding our center in Jesus Christ and not ourselves.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.”
A disciple of Jesus is a FORGIVER, for Jesus teaches us we should always forgive (70 x 7 times!).
And finally, “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
A disciple of Jesus is an IMITATOR OF JESUS, for as it is with the saints, when people encounter us they should experience Jesus Christ in us. As St. Paul puts it, “we are ambassadors for Christ. And as Jesus himself teaches, “we should not expect better treatment than he received.”
A listener, a servant, a cross-carrier, an instrument of peace, a humble person, a forgiver, and an imitator of Jesus… in all of these ways we carry and witness to the Light of Christ entrusted to us at baptism. This is what DISCIPLESHIP looks like.
Additionally, I would offer these three tips of advice as your discipleship journey continues:
(1) Be open to God’s grace.
Grace is a gift from God. Dispose yourself to receive God’s grace through your worship life, personal prayer, service to others, and study of our faith. St. Ignatius of Loyola (the founder of the Jesuits) once said, “Work as though everything depends on us, but pray as though everything depends on God.”
(2) Reach out to others.
As a Catholic you are a part of something bigger than yourself. When you need help, reach out to our faith community and be ready to help when others reach out to you.
(3) Expect highs and lows along the journey.
Our faith journey is no different than our journey of life. Highs and lows are inevitable on this side of heaven, and God will use them both in our lives to reveal His great love. All we have to do is not give up.
As disciples we are each entrusted with the Light of Christ for the salvation of the world. May God continue to bless us in the New Year with eyes to see him, hearts to love him, and hands to serve him, all in Jesus’ name, Amen.
