In the first reading for Epiphany we hear intimations of the magi’s visit in the opening verses of Isaiah 60. The prophet Isaiah envisions Israel’s sons and daughters returning from exile in Babylon. Their faith and restoration from suffering make them a people who reflect God’s glory and give light to other nations.
God’s saving power enlightens and redeems women and men of all nations. We hear Isaiah’s message in a world increasingly driven by tribal divisions. We hear it as citizens of a nation of immigrants growing increasingly fearful of new migrants crossing our borders.
Isaiah waxes eloquent, imagining masses of immigrants and caravans of traders from Arabia and Sheba, streaming into Zion. The prophet sees cause for excitement in Israel’s rebuilding, “for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, and the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.”
How different Isaiah’s vision is from the guarded view we often take of the others who wish to join our religious or our geographic communities. Isaiah sees an economics of abundance in people’s coming together that challenges the boundaries we set out of fear and our economics of scarcity.
God’s glory shines in Israel.
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem!
Your light has come,
God’s glory shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples.
But upon you God shines, and over you appears God’s glory.
Nations shall walk by your light, kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you.
Your sons come from afar,
and your daughters
in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant
at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you;
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises
of the Holy One.
Isaiah 60.3-6
- What gifts do you bring from your family and ethnic background for building human community?
- When and where have you experienced diverse peoples coming together to worship? What have you gained from such experiences?