By Tarsish Marak csc
Readings: 1Jn 3:22-4:6; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
“The word brings us joy”. The season of Christmas is a time to be filled with joy and happiness and to live a new life as we received the ‘new born king’. The readings of the day invite us to reject the darkness and choose to live in the light. Living in the darkness is a sign of going away from the Lord.
A small tiny light has the great power to shine in the dark and it can be seen wherever it may be in the dark. Jesus wants each of us to carry the light, a light of joy, a light of love and a light of peace wherever we go and live. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world”. So if we are the maker of peace, love and joy we are expected to be carrying and witnessing Christ’s values and become a true prophet’. The first ministry of Jesus is to bring people from darkness to light. During his ministry he teaches, preaches the good news from heaven and heals people from various diseases and sickness. And after having seeing the life of the people he said, “Turn away from your sins, because the kingdom of heaven is near”.
So, it’s a time to reflect on the voice of Jesus that is to “turn away from your sins”. Many times we like to hide in the dark and we prefer to be in the dark, thinking that we are not seen by others, but the heavenly Father is seeing us when we hide in the dark. Therefore as religious, let us allow light to shine in us so that people may easily find light in us. And Jesus said “I am the light of the world”. So let us be the carriers of light and giver of joy and peace for the people of God.