Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Darkness is daunting. There is something about being in a dark place that makes us feel anxious and uncomfortable. Maybe it’s the fact that we can’t see anything. Or maybe it’s because we don’t know what else may be with us in the darkness. It’s unsettling not being in control of what is going on around us in the dark. As intimidating as it is, the thing with the dark is that it can’t hide the light. Even if it’s just a glimpse, that light is enough to take us out of that state of anxiety and fear. All of a sudden, our mind shifts focus from the darkness to the light.
This week’s readings remind us of the power that light has to bring hope and love to all those around us. I found a lot of comfort in the words of God for us this week. In our first reading, Isaiah tells us that our light will rise for us in the darkness. The Psalm itself, “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright” reinforces this message. Finally in the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that they are the light of the world.
There are times in life when we hit a point where darkness is unavoidable. In my own faith journey, a lot of paths that I’ve taken have led me to walk in the dark. Sometimes it feels overwhelming since it’s all I see at that moment in time. One thing that I’ve always found comforting is that God has always made a way to put a light in my path. He guides me through the times when my fears and failures get the best of me. But as hard as it gets, he uses those same fears and failures as a wick to light the flame in my heart. Then I am freed of the darkness that surrounds me.
Once God lights a flame in us, it’s impossible to just keep to ourselves. He will be faithful to complete the good work that he has started in our lives. And even though our humanity can stand in the way sometimes, he will continue to provide the light for us so we can find our way back to him. As we walk our own path, let’s remind ourselves that God, the giver of light, also wants us to be a light for others. Let our prayer be one of humility and courage. That we can continue to walk in the light. And in doing so, lead others to him. So that the world might be filled with the deepest joy that only he can provide.