Monday after Epiphany 2020 - "Light has arisen"

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.”

Despite the great Christian joy of Christmas, the Christmas season can be a time of great darkness: winter depression grows, loneliness is deeply felt, grief from past mistakes and sins often resurfaces.   Family tensions can flare-up around Christmas gatherings. I just saw a report that the divorce rate surges after Christmas.  “How things are” is found to be very far from “how things should be.”

Yet, at this very time, when darkness overshadows so much, the Church proclaims the true Hope of the World: Christ is the light shines in the darkness.

Yesterday, we celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord, the revelation, the shining forth of Jesus as savior of the world.

On this Monday after Epiphany, the passage of Matthew Gospel describes Jesus starting his mission in Galilee.  Jesus’ Galilean ministry is a sort of Epiphany—Jesus preaching and teaching and healing manifests God’s light to a people in darkness.

He calls those in darkness to the light of repentance and discipleship.  Repentance and discipleship are the remedy for the darkness of the season. Christ is the remedy for our demons, our lunacy, our paralysis, our brokenness. In the light of Christ, our false hopes and the empty promises of the busyness and materialism of secular Christmas are exposed as illusions. And the true path to happiness, Christian discipleship, is illuminated.

The Gospel also tells us that the sick were brought to him.  If there is anything we still need to repent of, the Holy Spirit works to bring us to repentance and Jesus’s divine mercy.  But also, the Holy Spirit works to use as instruments to bring the physically, emotionally, and spiritually sick in our family and in our community to Jesus’ divine mercy, through our words, example, and actions.

May we be docile and obedient to all the Lord asks of us today, that we might be witnesses of his light, that his light may continue to shine on a people overshadowed by death, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.

For the conversion of all those who have turned their hearts from Christ, for those who have fallen into serious sin, for a strengthening of all of the faithful in virtue. And That God may bring the faithless to believe in His Son and increase the faith of those struggling to believe.

For Christians who are persecuted throughout the world, especially those who face martyrdom, that they may have a faith that is constant and pure. And for Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January: that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

For those oppressed by hunger, sickness or loneliness, that through the mystery of the Nativity of Christ, they may find relief in both mind and body.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord