In our gospel, Matthew 4:12-17, we hear that when Jesus heard the news of John the Baptist being arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to Capernaum by the sea, that what had been said by the prophet Isaiah may be fulfilled.
By settling in Capernaum, Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophesy of shining a light on this region, ”The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen”. Jesus establishes the kingdom of God, and is the light that dispels the darkness.
What does this Gospel mean to us today? I have lived in California most of my life and love this state, with all is beauty and splendor. I surf and fish in her oceans, ski in her mountains, camp and ride in her desert, and enjoy God’s nature that is incredible in California.
But It sure seems like we are living in a region of darkness these days. We have endured years of attacks on our religion and families, the dignity of life from womb to tomb, and many more beliefs and values Christians have. When our governor recently declared that he wants to make California an abortion sanctuary state, and use our taxpayer money to fund abortions and their travel costs, I almost lost it. Then my heart went quickly to the words of Jesus when he asked his father to “forgive them for they know not what they do”.
As Jesus told us, “we will perform greater acts than he”. He needs us to shine a light on this region. Jesus needs us to be the light that dispels the darkness that has gripped this beautiful state. How is God asking us to respond to his call?
De Colores, Deacon Kevin
