The Wealth of the Nations

A Reflection on the First Reading for Sunday, January 8th, 2023: The Feast of Epiphany

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Isaiah
60. 1-6

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
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Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

When we read the passage from Isaiah for this Sunday in the light of the Gospel, it seems to be speaking directly to Christ. I hear it as a joyful calling forth of Christ, for whom the earth has been waiting and rushes to meet. The light will shine forth, the people will come and gather, gifts will be brought. It sounds like a very triumphant and earth-shattering moment. And we know that it was. Christ’s coming to live among us shook the foundations of the world, and drew all people to Him. We live now in this light that Isaiah foretold, and are drawn to Christ just as the shepherds and wisemen and many others must have been called. 

One of my favourite Christmas songs and poems is “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rossetti. I particularly like the last verse that contemplates what I can bring to Christ. Like Rossetti, I am not a shepherd, and have no sheep to give; nor am I a wise man, with frankincense and gold. “Yet what I can I give him – give my heart.” I was reminded of this song while reflecting on the line, “the wealth of the nations shall come to you.” I can imagine how much it pleases God’s heart when we bring our wealth, our very selves, to Him. I may have nothing to offer Christ beyond myself, but what a rich and generous gift this is! 




Sr. Gemma

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