The Light in the Shadows: Answering the Call to Shine
The Fear of the Dark
Have you ever been in a place of total darkness? I’m not talking about the cozy dimness of a bedroom at night, but that thick, heavy darkness—perhaps in a cave or during a massive power outage—where you can’t even see your own hand in front of your face. In that kind of dark, we lose our sense of direction, our confidence, and often our peace. We become paralyzed.
Our world today often feels like it is shrouded in a different kind of darkness: the darkness of division, the "gloom" of mental health struggles, and the "shadow" of uncertainty about the future. We find ourselves groping for something solid. Today, on Word of God Sunday, the Scriptures offer us a flashlight. But more than that, they offer us a Sun. Today’s readings remind us that we don't have to live in the dark anymore, because the Word of God is the light that has dawned upon us.
The readings for Year A weave together a powerful narrative of transition—from shadow to light, and from isolation to community.
1. The Dawn of Hope (Isaiah 8:23–9:3) The Prophet Isaiah speaks to a people who were literally living in the "shadow of death." The land of Zebulun and Naphtali—the northern regions of Israel—had been the first to be invaded and crushed by the Assyrian empire. They were a defeated, humiliated, and "darkened" people.
But Isaiah makes a startling prophecy: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone." He promises that God will smash the "yoke" that burdens them. This isn't just a political promise; it is a spiritual one. It tells us that no matter how deep the shadow over our lives—grief, sin, or despair—God’s Word is the definitive end of that night.
2. A Call to Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17) How does this light stay lit in the world? Through the Church. But St. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, identifies a major "short circuit" in the lamp: division. The community was arguing over whose "brand" of Christianity was better—some followed Paul, some Apollos, some Peter.
Paul’s message is blunt: "Is Christ divided?" When we allow ourselves to be fractured by petty arguments or tribalism, we dim the light of the Gospel. On this Word of God Sunday, Paul reminds us that the Word is not meant to be a weapon to use against each other, but the "mind of Christ" that unites us. The Word calls us to be "perfectly united in the same mind and in the same purpose."
3. The Proclamation and the Choice (Matthew 4:12–23) In the Gospel, we see Isaiah’s prophecy come to life. Jesus begins his ministry exactly where Isaiah said he would: in the "District of the Gentiles," the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. He begins with a clear, urgent command: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Then, we witness the "Call of the First Disciples." As Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee, he sees Peter and Andrew. He doesn't give them a theological lecture. He says, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." What is most striking is the speed of their response. The text says, "At once they left their nets and followed him." Later, James and John leave not just their nets, but their father and their boat. Why such urgency? Because when the Light finally dawns, you don't stay in the shadows mending old nets. You follow the Light into a new world.
The Power of the Living Word
Pope Francis established this Sunday to remind us that the Bible is not a collection of "once upon a time" stories. It is a living encounter.
In Year A, the theme is clear: The Word of God is the Light that demands a response. When Jesus speaks, the "land of gloom" becomes a place of rejoicing. When Jesus calls, the "fishermen" become "apostles." This transformation happens because the Word of God is not just information; it is invitation.
The Scriptures are the primary way Jesus continues to walk along the "shoreline" of our lives—our workplaces, our kitchens, our social media feeds—and says, "Follow me." If we feel stuck in a cycle of "mending nets" (those habits and worries that keep us tied down), the Word of God is the power that cuts the rope and sets us free to walk toward the dawn.
As we celebrate this Word of God Sunday, we are called to move from being passive listeners to active followers. Here are three ways to do that this week:
- "Unpack" the Sunday Gospel: Most of us hear the Gospel on Sunday and forget it by the time we hit the parking lot. This week, I challenge you to take the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 4) and read it again on Tuesday and Thursday. Ask yourself: "If Jesus walked into my workplace or my home today and said 'Follow me,' what is the one 'net' I would be most afraid to leave behind?" Identify that net and ask for the grace to let go of it.
- Heal a Division: St. Paul pleaded for unity. In your family, your workplace, or even within this parish, is there a shadow cast by an old grudge or a spirit of "us vs. them"? In honor of the Word that unites us, make the first move to reconcile. Send a text, make a call, or offer a prayer for someone you’ve been "divided" from. Let the Light of Christ shine through your forgiveness.
- Proclaim the Light: Jesus went about "proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom." You are called to do the same. This week, find a way to share a "Word" with someone else. It doesn't have to be a sermon. It can be sharing a favorite scripture verse on social media, or simply telling a friend who is struggling, "I was reading the Bible today, and I was reminded that God’s light is stronger than this darkness."
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." Brothers and sisters, that prophecy is fulfilled today in our hearing. We are no longer a people of gloom; we are a people of the Word. We are no longer defined by our "nets" or our past mistakes; we are defined by the One who calls us by name.
As we approach the Eucharist today—the Word made Flesh—let us ask for the courage of Peter, Andrew, James, and John. When we hear His voice today, may we not harden our hearts, but "at once" leave behind what is passing away to follow the Light that never fades.
The kingdom of heaven is at hand. The Light is here. Let us follow Him.
