Jan 31 - 4th Sunday in Ordial Time

+ Our readings today are about darkness and light. We are at that time of the year now when we fancifully spout out that “spring is right around the corner:” “See how much lighter it is getting every single afternoon and evening; it won’t be long now.” There is longing in each of us – planted by God – to be in the light, rather than to sit in darkness. Our faith, in conjunction with the Christmas cycle that we have recently concluded, tells us that Jesus Christ is the only Real Light: he is a reflection of the glory of the Father, energized by the shimmering Holy Spirit of Life.  And so the Alleluia verse today proclaims jubilantly: The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light; on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.

 

The gospel passage has an interesting perspective: the evil spirits who live in the shadows, know who Jesus is, recognize light when they see it and they are compelled, no, required to shout this information out: “You are the Holy One of God!”  But Jesus rebukes them, not because it is not true, but because his gradual revelation of himself does not correspond to these uncontrolled outbursts.

 

The virgins mentioned in the second reading tell us too about darkness and light. In the early Church the Order of Virgins was highly valued, these women were anxious about things of the Lord, rather than for a husband or family: their holiness was meant to be exemplary and be like a brightly shining lamp to reflect the light of Christ their Spouse so all in the house could see things as they were, all in the Church could find the way to holiness by witness of those who were actually doing it.

 

The first reading tells us how God at the beginning wanted to give his people the light of words, words of comfort and salvation: and so he raised up many prophets to speak on his behalf. This was a serious undertaking and woe to the prophet who misused his vocation.

 

The question we ask ourselves today is this: is there room for more light and hope and peace in our lives? is there room for more certainty, assurance and confidence? if so, then, if today you hear the voice of God speaking words that enlighten; close not your minds and harden not your hearts.

 

Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us. For he is our God, our Light, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides out of darkness into light!