JESUS, LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Today’s readings proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, the light of the world: a beacon who draws all peoples to himself.
When the old tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in the First Reading were being deported to Assyria, Isaiah promised that their land, then deeply overshadowed by turmoil and war, would one day witness a great light in their midst. In the Gospel, St Matthew sees the fulfilment of this prophecy. Jesus was, and is, that light. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus settles in Galilee, a region that corresponds to the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. After proclaiming the kingdom of heaven, it is striking that his first action is to call his first disciples. The task of witnessing to the kingdom is not something to be done by Jesus alone. Rather he calls followers to share in and continue this work.
This week, we may like to ask the Lord for that light and help in our own lives, and in the lives of all humanity. We pray that we might find ways of sharing his light and compassion with all whom we meet in our suffering
Source: Scripture reflection and image prepared for St Beuono's Outreach, Diocese of Wrexham UK available at www.australiancatholics.com.au