My Reflection on Matthew 4-12-32
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| For the people who lived in darkness have seen a great light. |
Among the sacramentals of the Church
there is nothing as meaningful as the candle.
We use it in our liturgies, and we light candles to accompany our
prayers. I find the candle very
meaningful especially during the rite of Baptism. I made it a habit to collect the candles I’ve
used at time whenever I am invited to serve as sponsor in Baptism, because I am
touched and I am impressed by the meaning of the candle. The candle we lit and we hold symbolizes
Christ who is the Light. We who believe
are bearers of that light. As Christians
we must be “another Christ”. In our
hearts we should live the Christ-like life and being nourished by the Eucharist
we should be conscious of the real presence of light.
In the gospel today, we read that when
Jesus heard that John the Baptist was arrested, He moved to Capernaum and began
His public ministry. He left Nazareth
and moved to the region of Capernaum. In
fulfilment of the prophecy, “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to
the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in
darkness have seen a great light, in those dwelling in a land overshadowed by
death light has arisen.”
In a land overshadowed by death light
has arisen. As we reflect on our world today, everyday of our lives we are
overshadowed by death. The despair and
hopelessness, the endless struggle and the false hopes-hopes that fail. As bearers of the light how do we bring
Christ to others and to those around us?
We heard that when Jesus proclaimed the message he said, “Repent for the
Kingdom of God is at hand.”
As Christians we should be the bearers
of hope, by our work and by our deed.
God sent forth His Spirit to be the comforter, He is our strength. He gives us direction and makes us cheerful
even in the most adverse of circumstances.
May we always find this inspiration and strength. So that we may be truly the bearers of light. In our workplaces and in the places we go, may we be like Christ, who walk among the
Gentiles proclaiming the good news. To
the people who sit in darkness (of sin, corruption, strife, evil works), may we
be an example. If only we learn to live
up to our faith, our country and our community will not be as dark as it is
now. When we pay lip service to our
religion, we will see the fruit as it is.
May our political leaders learn to see that light, may our ministers
also see that light, that they may become true, dedicated and tireless pastors/shepherds
of the sheep, not like the hirelings who seek only their own gain. And may we as individuals also become bearers
of that light so that those who sit in darkness and those who walk in the shadow
of death may find hope. Amen.
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