The Lord is my light and my salvation

Dear Parish Family,

As I was reflecting over the readings, I remembered a time when I was about 10 years old. I woke up in the middle of the night and as I sat up in my bed, I looked across the room; I thought I saw someone sitting on my chair. I immediately was frightened — who could it be, how did they get in? As scared as I was and noticing that they were not moving at all, I needed to at least turn on the lights. Now in a well lit room I could clearly see that the “person” sitting in my chair was actually just my big stuffed toy that I had forgotten I had left on my chair instead of putting it away. I even chuckled a bit when I realized how silly it was for me to have been scared. What joy and relief to have the light on to see clearly, to see things as they really are and not as I was imagining them to be.

In our first reading we are told, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.” Is 9 12 The Light they experience is the light of God, his presence. In God’s light, everything assumes a new significance, its authentic and definitive meaning. In our Gospel, our first reading is once again echoed, a “light has arised.” As Jesus begins his ministry he calls on his first disciples. He assures them if they follow him he will make them fishers of men. They leave everything and they follow him.

---

Their willingness to leave everything and follow him, makes me think they could see clearly, perhaps not with their human eyes, but with their soul. The light of God made it possible for them to see clearly this was the path they must follow. May we too see Christ’s light as clearly, for there is a joy and happiness that becomes real in Jesus’ presence. He is the promised light that has come into our midst, His physical presence. Even today we are honored with his presence in the Eucharist. In Jesus we have everything.
​
Siempre Adelante,
Tere Delgado
Faith Formation Minister

---