Reflection for January 5 Monday after Epiphany: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. 

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

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Reflection:

In the midst of darkness, light gives us hope. It gives us something to hold on to and something to look forward to. When all seems uncertain and overwhelming, light reminds us that darkness does not have the final word.

This is how the prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus in the Old Testament—a promised light shining upon those who walk in darkness. In the New Testament, that promise was fulfilled, for the light became a living reality in the person of Jesus.

Jesus called people then and now to repentance. He proclaimed the Gospel and healed those burdened by spiritual and physical sickness. He entered into human suffering with compassion and love, restoring not only bodies but also wounded hearts and souls.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He remains the light of our lives even now. He continues to heal us of our many sicknesses, our brokenness, and our hidden wounds. And He still lovingly calls each of us to turn away from sin and return to God.

Let us be careful not to make the mistake of seeking our light and hope in this world. The world may offer comfort, success, or temporary happiness, but it can never give us true and lasting hope.

When we place our trust in worldly things, we eventually find ourselves empty and restless. To anchor our hope and happiness in this world is a grave mistake—one that quietly draws our hearts away from God.

Let us, instead, learn to discern the voice of Jesus, who continually calls us to follow Him. Let us choose Him as the true hope and light of our lives, today and always. We will never go wrong when we listen to His voice, a voice that calls us to repent, to let go of sin, and to walk faithfully in the path of new life.

Where are we placing our hope today—in the fading lights of this world, or in Jesus, the true Light who alone can lead us out of darkness and into lasting life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas