Yesterday, we celebrated the great feast of the Epiphany, highlighting the power of the Incarnation to set all peoples free from the darkness of sin and death through the light and grace of the presence of the Word made flesh in the person of Jesus.

Today, in Matthew’s Gospel, the announcement of Jesus’ mission that ‘the kingdom of heaven has come near’ is seen as the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah, that a great light has dawned and dispersed the darkness that previously has cast a deep shadow of death over the earth.

Jesus immediately takes up this mission by bringing the ‘great light’ of God’s love, mercy, healing and wisdom to bear upon the sick, those afflicted with disease and pain, demoniacs, epileptics and paralytics. (Matthew 4:24) Whomever Jesus encounters, he offers this ‘light’ to show them the path of eternal life.

We are called to this same mission to bring God’s light into our messy and dark world through our acts of kindness, forgiveness, healing and loving presence. Sometimes, we need the ‘light’ to be shone upon our darkness and sin by others so that we can repent and embrace God’s ways anew.  

I remember with gratitude all those who have been a ‘light’ for me on my journey. Whether they have encouraged me, stood by me in my difficulties or been a source of wisdom for me, I am so grateful for their presence in my life. Who are the ‘lights’ in your life? Thank them for being an anchor in your life’s journey.

We will be light for others if we daily confess that Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is the Light of the World, who dispels the darkness and leads us into the glorious light of the heavenly kingdom. Amen.

by Mike Humphrys