by Bro. Azam Vianney Mansha, CJM
Jesus began to preach the Kingdom of God i.e., spreading the light of salvation in Israel and preparing the disciples to go beyond Israel (Matthew 28:19-20). A reference to the light
of salvation to the nation is found in the book of the prophet Isaiah, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light (Isaiah 9:1).” The prophecy of Isaiah finds her fulfillment with coming of Jesus in the world who is the Light of the world (John 8:12).
The Light of Jesus was first experienced by the shepherds when angel told them, “ in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord ” (Luke 2:11) and later the Magi who were led by the star to see and pay homage to the king of kings, “They were overjoyed at seeing the star . . . They prostrated themselves and did him homage” (Matthew 2:10-11). The shepherds and Magi saw the glory of God in Jesus and praised God (Luke 2:20 & Matthew 2:10).
The Light of Jesus has entered in the world in order to illuminate the heart of the human beings and create the new world, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him,” (John 1:9-10). The believers are invited to follow the Light of Jesus in order to receive the light of life, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).”
A believer receives the Light of Jesus in the sacrament of Baptism, “receive the light of Christ” (rite of baptism) and strengthen by the body of Christ, “I am the living bread . . . whoever eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:51). Once a believer has received the Light of Christ, he/she enters into the divine family and becomes a child of light, “For all of you are children of the light and children of the day” (1-Thesssalonians 5:5). Therefore, being the children of light and carrying the Divine Light of Jesus, the believers are invited to shine before others through their deeds, “your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16). The deeds which needs to be highlighted are already mentioned by Jesus, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25: 35-36). These and other works of charity will help others to see, recognize and glorify the Father who is in heaven.
May Mary, the Mother of Divine Light intercede for the believers to carry the Divine Light in them so that their light must shine others.