While we celebrated the feast of God becoming human at Christmas, today’s feast of Epiphany celebrates Him who does not remain hidden but reveals Himself as light for all peoples. Isaiah, in the first reading, proclaims it in the context of a people emerging from exile: “Rise up in splendor… your light has come.” When God’s light breaks into history, it creates communion and heals fragmentation, making His distant sons and daughters return home. Psalm 72 deepens this vision by portraying a king whose rule is marked not by authority but by service, as true service of God is inseparable from compassion and justice for those who are poor, lowly, afflicted, and have no one to help them.
Paul, in the Letter to the Ephesians, further proclaims the heart of the Epiphany mystery—the Gentiles (foreigners) are “coheirs, members of the same body”—revealing God’s saving plan has no ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious, or any other boundaries whatsoever. The Gospel brings this revelation into a concrete, human story as the Magi, foreigners, guided by a star, search for that light with courage, humility, and perseverance. Herod, by contrast, feels threatened by the same light and responds with fear and deceit. When the Magi finally encounter God’s revelation, their journey culminates not in power or certainty, but in humility and vulnerability. They offer their treasures and then return home “by another way”—a powerful transformation from darkness to grace, from exclusion to inclusion, and from fear to freedom.
Hence, let us ask ourselves:
1. Having celebrated the birth of Christ, am I willing to be led by His light and revelation in the New Year 2026?
2. Like the Magi, what “treasures” am I called to surrender, perhaps the things I find difficult to let go?
3. In my lifework and in the world today, what does it mean for me to “return by another way”, and what must I do to “take a new road” in 2026?
Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ
I am a Jesuit priest and educator from the island nation of Sri Lanka, historically known as Serendib or Ceylon. I have been blessed to receive Jesuit formation and higher education across Asia, Europe, and America. Most recently, I earned my Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership in Education (Ed.D.) from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, where my dissertation explored global citizenship through the lens of undergraduates’ study-abroad experiences. Deeply convinced of the power of positive narratives that education can create, I believe it holds the key to addressing the ‘care-crises’ that weigh upon humanity and our shared ‘common home,’ while also emancipating individuals and communities. In addition to serving as an online faculty member with Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL)—Jesuit Higher Education in the Margins— to students in Africa and the Middle East, I am currently assigned to Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Determined to make a distinctive, active, and intellectually grounded contribution through Jesuit higher education, I am deeply passionate about reading, writing, and teaching on global citizenship, interdisciplinary leadership, and justice and peacebuilding. In this spirit, I hold close the words of Helen Steiner Rice: “Life is a fabric, weave it with tender care; Upon the loom of life, your pattern is rare.” While I cherish the uniqueness that defines my own life and journey, I am equally committed and eager to recognizing, celebrating, and defending the uniqueness of others—believing that true beauty is revealed where there is unity in diversity, and diversity in unity.
Keep smiling—because God loves you always! I mean, ALWAYS!
