Cats don’t see very well. They rely upon their sense of smell and hearing, much more than their eye sight, to get along in the world. In fact, they see better in the dark than in the daylight. They are naturally near-sighted, so things in front of them can be missed. At night, their vision sharpens, and with the quieting of the day’s activity, they also hear more acutely. They are night roamers, comfortable with stalking, playing and eating in the dark. They never seem to trip or get lost when other creatures, like we humans, need the light to find our way.
The Feast of the Epiphany reminds us that we need to follow the Light. The magi knew this well, and it led them on an adventure whose destination was unknown. They didn’t know where they would end their sojourn. They only knew for whom they were looking. Their search took them to Herod, the enemy of the saviormessiah, though at first they didn’t recognize him that way.
They were so consumed by their search for the light, that they didn’t notice Herod’s darkness. In fact, it was Herod who helped them find the light despite his sinister motives. The magi were so intent on following the light that they accepted help from whomever they could get it. How are we following the Light of Christ in our life’s journey? Are we even looking for the light, or are we content with accepting the darkness that is sometimes all around us? Do we ask for help in finding the light? Do we use even the agents of darkness to help us by offering an example of what we don’t want to do or be?
We rely upon our sight as a primary sense. We have to look at everything, good and bad, pleasant and unpleasant, virtuous and sinful, to navigate a course through this world that follows the Light. After all, Christ came to redeem it all, not just the worthy, but sinners, prostitutes, the poor and the sick, outcasts and unbelievers. They all came into the Light in various gospel accounts, and showed us how God works in this darkened world.
The Light exposes sin, but then forgives it. It invites people on the outside to come close and find a place where they belong. It embraces the lost and forsaken, and it patiently guides the seekers and doubters. To live in the Light of Christ is to live with arms outstretched to others, encouraging them to join us on the shared journey that leads to the One who saves us.
So don’t be afraid of the Light. Nothing will be seen that cannot be redeemed. If we get lost, the Light will reappear to set us back on course. Just look for it, ask for help to see it, and then follow. Only cats thrive in the dark.
Monsignor Statnick
