In Matthew 4:16, the gospel writer quotes a passage from the prophet Isaiah. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light . . .” (Isaiah 9:1ff ESV) Jesus had gone to dwell in Capernaum on what was the territory of the Israelite tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, now “Galilee of the Gentiles.” The people who lived in darkness have seen a great light, Jesus Christ. In the story of the Transfiguration Jesus is described as one who “shines like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” (Matthew 17: 2 ESV) A voice announces, “This is my beloved son . . .” Jesus is light, as God is light. Indeed, Jesus is the Son of God!
We brothers and sisters in Christ are also light; but, we are not the light of salvation that Jesus is. In Matthew 13: 43 Jesus says, “. . . the righteous shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. But, even now Christians are light. “You are the light of the world,” and “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14 and 5: 16 ESV) Christians are not the light of salvation; but, they show forth Christ’s light in what they do, described in the Sermon on the Mount. Along with the various teachings throughout the Gospel about what a disciple does, Jesus gives final instructions at the very end, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Matthew 28: 19-20 ESV) The Lord promises the disciples that He would be with them until the end of the age.
Christ is the light that shines in the darkness. We are to be instruments of that light as faithful disciples. We are called to share the Gospel no matter what the circumstances–in peaceful times and times of persecution. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5: 11 ESV) And, we are to speak with gentleness and respect.
Michael G. Tavella
October 23, 2024
Saint James of Jerusalem, Martyr, ca. 62
