The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,
Matthew 4:16
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death
light has arisen.
Reflection
After John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus goes to live in Capernaum, where he preaches repentance. He also calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John to become his disciples, which they do.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus fulfills a prophecy from Isaiah – he comes to dwell in the land of Galilee, and for the people who sit in darkness and death, a light has arisen. That light is Christ. Even today, the world is shadowed by darkness and death in the form of sin. There are numerous atrocities that take place, many of them now socially acceptable. The world believes humanity has become more advanced because of these things, but this is not true.
We merely pretend that the darkness is light, for that is what Satan does. He twists the truth and makes evil things look good – murdering babies is necessary, the concept of family is null and void, pleasure is the ultimate goal. There is great darkness in this world, yet we still have hope. Jesus is our hope, our refuge, and our God. He breaks us from the chains of sin and clears the darkness away, exposing it for what it is. Will you follow his light, his truth, and his love?
Saint of the Day
St. Poppo: AD 977 – 1048
| St. Poppo was a Benedictine abbot who led a very strict ascetic lifestyle. He was appointed abbot of various monasteries and supported reforms within them. St. Poppo, pray for us! |
The Healing Word 