The Light That Unites and Calls

Voice over by Eliz

Isa 8:23b–9:3, Psalm: 26, 1Cor 1:10-13.17, Mt 4:12-23

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In the darkness of a world often shadowed by division, uncertainty, and personal struggle, the Word of God today breaks in with the brilliance of a sunrise. It speaks of a light that shatters every gloom, a unity that heals every division, and a call that reorients every life. Through the prophet’s promise, the Apostle’s plea, and the Gospel’s proclamation, we are shown the path from fragmentation to wholeness in Christ.

The prophet Isaiah speaks to a people walking in a land of deep darkness. The tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, in the northern reaches of Israel, had experienced the bitter shadow of foreign invasion and oppression. Yet, Isaiah sings a song of glorious hope: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” This is no mere political prediction; it is a divine promise of God’s saving intervention. The yoke of burden, the pole on the shoulder, the rod of the taskmaster—all will be shattered by the coming of a royal child who will establish a kingdom of everlasting peace. This light is the hope of the nations.

Centuries later, Saint Matthew reveals the fulfillment of this prophecy. Upon hearing of John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus withdraws to Galilee—specifically to the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. Matthew explicitly states, “He went to live in Capernaum by the sea… to fulfill what had been said through Isaiah the prophet.” Jesus is the great light dawning in the very land of gloom. His message is urgent and clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This is the inauguration of that promised reign. Then, walking by the Sea of Galilee, He calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John with a sovereign word: “Come after me.” Immediately, they leave their nets and their father, and they follow Him. The light not only shines; it calls, it gathers, it sends.

But what happens when those gathered by the light turn their gaze away from Him and back upon themselves? This is the painful situation Saint Paul addresses in Corinth. He has heard of quarrels and factions: “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas.” With a grieving heart, he pleads, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.” Paul identifies the root of the problem: they are aligning themselves with the personality of a preacher rather than the person of Christ. “Is Christ divided?” he asks. “Was Paul crucified for you?” The message of the Cross—the very heart of the light—is one of reconciling love, not factional pride.

Here, then, is the powerful convergence of today’s readings. Christ is the Light that scatters the darkness of sin and despair (Isaiah). Christ is the Center whose lordship alone can heal our human divisions (1 Corinthians). And Christ is the Caller who summons us to leave our old lives and follow Him into mission (Matthew).

For us, this means three things:

First, we must step into the light. Whatever your personal “land of gloom”—be it fear, grief, addiction, or shame—the prophecy of Isaiah is for you. Jesus has entered your darkness. Repent, believe, and let His light heal you.

Second, we must examine our allegiances. Paul’s plea cuts to our own hearts. In our families, parishes, and communities, do we foster unity in Christ, or do we create camps based on preferences, politics, or personalities? We must constantly recenter ourselves on the one Crucified Lord. As Pope Francis insists, our model must be “a Church that is united and reconciling.”

Third, we must respond to the call. The Lord walks by the shore of our daily lives and says, “Come after me.” He calls us to discipleship, which means letting go of what holds us back—our nets of security, our boats of self-sufficiency—to follow Him into a life of purpose: fishing for people in the sea of this world.

Today, the great light has dawned. He is Christ our Lord. May we turn from every darkness, be healed of every division, and answer His call with the immediacy of the first Apostles, so that united in Him, we may become bearers of His light to all who still sit in shadow. Amen.

May God bless you all!