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As the Christmas lights dim and the final notes of carols fade, the Church brings us to a luminous celebration: the Epiphany of the Lord. It is a moment of revelation, where God’s glory reaches beyond Bethlehem to shine upon all nations. The Magi, guided by a star, represent the call to every heart—Jew and Gentile alike—to seek and worship the Savior.
In the quiet of the night, the Magi responded to a heavenly light, stepping into the unknown with gifts in hand. They journeyed not for personal gain but to offer themselves in homage to the Christ Child. Their example reminds us that God still calls us out of darkness—not just the darkness of sin, but the shadows of complacency, fear, and self-centeredness.
The beloved hymn, Here I Am, Lord, echoes this same call. Its poignant refrain, “I have heard You calling in the night,” speaks to the stirring within us to rise and respond. Like the Magi, we may feel unworthy or uncertain of the path ahead. Yet, the voice of the Lord persists: “Whom shall I send?”
This song holds special meaning for me. On June 9, 1984, I first heard Here I Am, Lord at the ordination of my childhood friend, Tony Borgia, to the priesthood. As I recall, those to be ordained, along with the other priests of the Toledo Diocese, came in through the back door of the church in a long procession singing this hymn. That moment and those words, “Here I am Lord,” seemed so fitting for men committing themselves to the Lord. I have since sang that song thousands of times in church and Cursillo gatherings. It has stayed with me throughout the years as a powerful reminder of God’s call and our response. Though Tony passed away in 2018, God rest his soul, the song and its message ring as loud today—especially reflecting on the Magi—as they did in 1984 when I first heard it.
This song never gets old. Click below, close your eyes and listen.
The start of a new year invites us to answer, “Here I am, Lord!”—a pledge to become outward-focused disciples. Those words move me deeply every time I sing them. That song is an acknowledgment that our faith is not static but dynamic, a journey that calls us to tend the poor, heal the broken, and proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.
The journey forward begins with a simple “yes.” This yes may lead us to unexpected places—a soup kitchen, a hospital ward, or even a neighbor’s doorstep. Like the Magi, we may not fully understand where the journey will end, but our faith assures us that every step brings us closer to Christ.
To respond to God’s call in 2025, we must first quiet our hearts and listen. In prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments, God’s voice becomes clear, guiding us to the needs of our community and the world. The poor and the lame—those wounded by poverty, illness, addiction, or despair—await our compassionate presence.
Yet our response is not solely about action. It is also about transformation. Saying “Here I am, Lord” is a commitment to allow God to reshape our hearts, to surrender our fears and selfish ambitions. It is a recognition that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, empowering us to bring light into the darkest corners of the world.
As we journey forth in 2025, may we walk in the footsteps of the Magi, trusting the light of Christ to guide us. Let us be bold in our faith, generous in our service, and steadfast in our hope. The Lord who called us out of darkness is faithful to equip us for the work ahead.
This year, let us proclaim with confidence, “Here I am, Lord. I come to do Your will.” Whether in the quiet night or the bright light of day, may we hear and answer His call, bringing the love of Christ to a world longing for His peace and joy.
Heavenly Father, your people live in a dark world. Help me to bring the light of Christ to them. I have heard you calling me Lord. I will go forth, if you lead me. Help me to always hold your people in my heart. Amen!
AMDG
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Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.
- Sin Destroys The Sheathing On Our Soul - January 19, 2025
- Holistically Confronting Recurring Sin - January 12, 2025
- Here I Am, Lord - January 5, 2025
