Darkness is highlighted in the first reading and then repeated in the Gospel. Isaiah begins the image, “Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown” (Is 9:2).

Jesus Christ, the light of the world, left us on earth to bear witness to the Light so that darkness may be banished from our world. We must not disappoint Him in this assignment. He said:Matthew 5:14 ...

Matthew 5: 14-16“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (v. 2). When we turn away from God, there is a spiritual darkness that ...

Read our latest issue or browse back issues. Other Christians make the reasonable point that the Bible—our primary text, shared across time and tradition—should be the norm for liturgical language.

Some days it is a downright struggle to find light in this world. The polarization in our country, ongoing unrest in Israel and Gaza, mass shootings or a sick loved one all dim our outlook on life.