Prophecy of Light

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 9:31 am Post subject: Prophecy of Light

Prophecy of Light

Scripture:

At the first time the land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephtali was lightly touched: and at the last the way of the sea beyond the Jordan of the Galilee of the Gentiles was heavily loaded. The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. You have multiplied the nation, and have not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before you, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils. For the yoke of their burden, and the rod of their shoulder, and the scepter of their oppressor you have overcome, as in the day of Madian.
(Isaiah 8:23-9:4)

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no schisms among you: but that you be perfect in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been signified unto me, my brethren, of you, by them that are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you said: I indeed am of Paul; and I am of Apollo; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul then crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.
(1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17)

And when Jesus had heard that John was delivered up, he retired into Galilee: And leaving the city Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capharnaum on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and of Nephthalim; That it might be fulfilled which was said by Isaias the prophet: Land of Zabulon and land of Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people that sat in darkness, have seen great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishers). And he said to them: Come after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men. And they immediately leaving their nets, followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and he called them. And they forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom: and healing all manner of sickness and every infirmity, among the people.
(Matthew 4:12-23)

Reflection:

We have many examples of how light leads us, whether it from a lighthouse, a streetlamp, a sign, or the Northern Star. In the darkness, nothing can be seen, but light illuminates and allow us to see that which is good and that which presents danger. Without light, we become blind and vulnerable to that which we cannot see.

To lead our souls to the safety of His kingdom, God sent His only begotten Son to be the Light unto the world. (cf. John 1:1-5) Though the world did not accept Him, (cf. John 1:11) it could not extinguish His Light, for He sent the Holy Spirit to shine His Light within our hearts. If we allow His Light within us, we shall see clearly the path to which He leads us.

If we are united behind that to which He calls us; that which is right and just; then, there should be no divisions among us. If we are not committed to what is right and just, then, conflicts arise as selfishness and the ideologies of the imperfect raise their head. Rather than approaching one another with humility, civility, dignity, and respect; we villianize, demonize, denigrate, and dishonor one another as we compete for whatever worldly thing or position we believe will satisfy us, but the consequences of our power struggles only yield enmity which fuels anger, sorrow, and misery.

We are blessed that the Word made flesh (cf. John 1:14) was sent to the world not only to teach the world, but to bring salvation to it. (cf. John 3:17) He came to teach us of the commandments of love (cf. Matthew 22:36-40), for it is love which enables us to work together for common blessings such that rather than works of evil, our endeavors join to accomplish the will of God.

As we survey the world, we often agree on the important problems which must be addressed, but not all approach such issues with a pure heart. Some offer solutions which serve their interests, but do not solve the problem. Some offer solutions which serve their ideology, but are not workable or sutainable. Some offer solutions with good intentions, but fail to identify and consider flaws and aggravating consequences. One offers this extreme and another that, but because of obsessions with power, the workable and sustainable solution is left untouched.

Orators stand to draw battle lines and factions form. Misguided moralizing is used to intimidate and manipulate. Rather than trusting in the light, silent sound (cf. Kings 19:12) of the voice of love which speaks to our hearts, we turn instead to our own devices.

Who is served when we search the darkness for solutions? Who is served when hearts well up with thoughts of violence by which to impose power and will? Who is served when selfishness controls our decisions? Who is served when we allow hate to manipulate us?

It is true, we must be wary of those who will harm us, but that does not remove from us the responsibility to share the blessings of the love to which we are called. Perhaps our most challenging test is in finding means by which we may communicate, coordinate, and collaborate with humility, civility, dignity, and respect such that as we work together, it shall not be our will, but the will of God which shall be done. In prayer, let us ask Him to guide us and help us to pass that test. Indeed, let us allow His Light to guide us to His kingdom where all share in the blessings of love.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways may we turn from the darkness so we may receive the Light?

In what ways might we unify ourselves with our Lord and Savior as well as one another?

In what ways might we share the blessings of faith in our Savior with those who surround us?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier