3rd Sunday, Ordinary Time, 2023- Fr. Leo
Mathew asserts that Jesus is the light who dispels darkness and sin. This gift of light, is timeless and for all Christians, it is the hope of the fullness of life here and forever. This light is the heart of the Gospel and the heart of the Church. Through us, the light is to be lit ever more brightly in our time.
Jesus called the disciples to be fishers of men so that in time the same Spirit would be handed on through them to the next generation. Faith then, is sharing in the life of God through the Holy Spirit. It is not an idea or a doctrine. It is the experience of the living God. The fullness of the light’s energy is to enliven and flow through us making us one in body, mind, and spirit.
It is easy to pass on doctrine, but difficult to pass on faith. The first is a matter of learning and teaching. The second is the work of the Spirit that is beyond the logic of dogma. So, it might be helpful to ponder our teachings with the question of, “How have I experienced this in my life.” If Christ is the light of the world, what are my experiences of that light?
To speak of the experience of light, we must enter the land of metaphor as are readings do today in speaking of the land of Zebulun and Naphtali that has seen a great light. The light is Christ in his message of truth, love, healing, and mercy. So, how have we experienced these in our lives?
We have all had moments when we are touched by something beyond ourselves. It may be hearing a couple say “I do” at the altar. It may be the birth of a child. It may be the stranger that pushes us out of the snow bank. It may be a restoration of health, or the experience of forgiving someone who marred our lives. Or hearing someone say, “I forgive you because I love you,” when we need it. None of these things are really material things, they are matters of the heart.
Thus we can be sure that the Spirit lives. Our hearts, and our faithfulness to the call of love, will be our recognition and sharing in the Light that is the presence of God. Let us become Light to the World. Come, Lord Jesus, fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in all the fire of your Love.