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Sunday, February 7, 1999

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5th Sunday Ordinary Time


Isaiah 58:7-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 112
Matthew 5:13-16

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light, shine

"Your light must shine before men." —Matthew 5:16

At Midnight Mass on Christmas, the Church proclaimed: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light" (Is 9:1). At Christmas Day Mass, the Church proclaimed: "The light shines on in darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it" (Jn 1:5). Our Christmas lights are a sign of Christ, the Light of the world. A few days ago, we celebrated Candlemas Day. Our candles are signs of Christ, the Light of the nations (Lk 2:32). For the last forty-five days, the Lord has been repeating to us: "I am the Light of the world. No follower of Mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life" (Jn 8:12).

Today, the Lord shocks us by announcing that not only is He the Light of the world, but also that, in Him, we are the light of the world (Mt 5:14). Our "light shall break forth like the dawn" (Is 58:8) and will rise even in the darkness (Is 58:10). "See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance" (Is 60:2-3). Light, shine.

Prayer:  Father, shine "in our hearts, that we in turn might make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ" (2 Cor 4:6).

Promise:  "No, I determined that while I was with you I would speak of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified." —1 Cor 2:2

Praise:  "Thanks be to God, Who unfailingly leads us on in Christ's triumphal train, and employs us to diffuse the fragrance of His knowledge everywhere!" (2 Cor 2:14)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 23, 1998


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 1998