The Light is Ever-present

Dear Friends,

As I reflected on the imagery in today’s readings, it struck me that light, literal and symbolic, is overwhelmingly present in our readings at least since Christmas:

December 25, Christmas Day – Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” In Luke’s gospel, the shepherds suddenly see “a multitude of the heavenly host” in the night sky.

January 8, Epiphany – Isaiah: “Your light has come, Jerusalem! Nations shall walk by your light.” In Matthew’s gospel: “The star they [the Magi] had seen at its rising preceded them. It came and stopped over where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star.”

January 15, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Isaiah: “I will make you a light to the nations.” John the Baptist, on seeing Jesus says “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

January 22, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.”

Those of you who pray the Liturgy of the Hours know that the Church wisely designated the Canticle of Simeon, also known as the Nunc Dimittis, as a part of Night Prayer or Compline. Christians all around the world pray before going to bed: 


     Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
     Your word has been fulfilled.
     My eyes have seen the salvation
     You have prepared in the sight of every people,
      A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people, Israel. 

These messages are comforting and inspiring, and we need to hear them. Even in winter in Southern California (somewhat colder and wetter this year than recently), somehow the contrast between darkness and light is so powerful that despite its constant repetition, it can revive hope. Jesus is the Light of the World. But for those who lack hope, for those who “walk in the darkness,” that may not be readily apparent, unless we make it so. The readings for the first weekend in February, I think, are the final piece of the beautiful puzzle being assembled week by week:

February 5, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Isaiah: “if you give your bread to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted, then light shall rise for you in darkness .... gloom will become like midday.” And in
Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says that we are the light of the world — that we must
shine before others so that our good deeds may glorify our heavenly Father 

Friends, let’s get to it.

We’re all in this together.

Siempre Adelante!


Dominic MacAller

​Worship and Music Minister 

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