Today’s Scripture Readings

Yesterday we celebrated the wise men from the East seeking the new ‘king of the Jews’ led by the light of ‘his star’. In today’s Gospel, Matthew sets the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee as the fulfilment of the ancient prophecy of Isaiah that ‘the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.’

This great light is the presence, proclamation and power of Jesus, who announces: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Not just empty words, but rather a gateway to healing, mercy, forgiveness and freedom from the darkness of sin. This is the light that shines in the darkness and comes into our world in the person of Jesus Christ.

Wherever kindness overcomes isolation, hope restores the broken-hearted, forgiveness dissolves bitterness, generosity alleviates suffering, respect destroys discrimination, and joy disperses despair the light of Christ shines in our world. Just as Jesus entered our world in the simplicity and poverty of a manger, so too, God’s kingdom reigns in our world as each of us embrace the ordinary ways in which we allow God’s light and love to permeate our words and actions.

The monk, Thomas Merton describes this light as ‘a pure diamond, blazing with the invisible light of heaven. It is in everybody.’ This light is hidden from those whose hearts are closed to goodness, but it shines bright in humble and merciful hearts.

Today, let us choose to be the light of Christ in our world by sharing hope, healing, love, joy and peace in our families, workplaces and society. Alert to its unexpected arrival, may we encounter the light of heaven that dispels the darkness and illuminates the ordinary moments of our lives.