Rev. Fr. Peace JEMIBOR

Dearly beloved in Christ, an honest glance at the world, would reveal what seems like the over shadowing of light by darkness in the forms of sin, immorality, suffering, man’s inhumanity to man, corruption, hardship, pains etc. However, the readings of the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) revolve around a powerful and consoling theme of “Light out of darkness:” It reminds us that God is not blind to these realities, but that He enters the realities of human darkness not just to console us, but to redirect us. Hence, from the first reading to the Gospel, we see that divine light is not decorative; it is demanding. It reveals, it summons, and it sends.

Isaiah proclaims with hope: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isa 9:2). This text was originally addressed to a people humiliated by invasion, economic collapse and political instability. Their land – Zebulun and Naphtali – had been ravaged and forgotten. Yet, it is precisely there, in that darkness of hopelessness, that God promises light. Matthew later identifies this prophecy as fulfilled in Jesus, the light, who begins His public ministry not in Jerusalem’s comfort, but in Zebulun and Naphtali, the borders of Galilee (Mt 4:12–16).

This has profound relevance for all of us today. Ours is a nation weighed down by darkness of many forms: insecurity, youth unemployment, ethnic and religious suspicion, moral decay, and leadership failures. Many Nigerians are tired – emotionally, spiritually and economically. Yet today’s readings insist that darkness is not God’s final word. God’s light breaks forth precisely where hope seems weakest. But the Gospel does not end there, it goes on to tell us that light doesn’t end at shinning but at a change. So, Jesus does not only announce that the Kingdom is near; he calls people to repentance. “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 4:17). Repentance here is not merely sorrow for sin; it is a change of direction, a turning around. Light demands movement.

This response to light’s call is immediately illustrated in the calling of the first disciples. Fishermen – ordinary working men – are summoned while mending nets and casting lines. Jesus’ call is simple yet unsettling: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). They respond with startling immediacy: “At once they left their nets and followed him.” No long negotiations. No guarantees. Just trust. I think this holds a lot for all of us. It challenges our culture of hesitation and egoistic fulfillments.

Many desire change, but few want to leave their “nets” – habits of corruption, ethnic bias, religious hypocrisy, or comfortable silence in the face of injustice. We all want that light, but the Gospel reminds us that light without response changes nothing.

Jesus’ ministry in the Gospel did not end with mere talks, but with healing, teaching and proclaiming the Kingdom. It means light is not abstract; it is a movement towards action; towards change. It becomes leaving behind our “nets of sin, corruption, immorality and all sorts of evil and wickedness” to follow Jesus the light.

As we reflect on today’s message, three practical points emerge clearly:

First, we need to acknowledge the darkness around us and admit where we have contributed to it honestly, but do not absolutize it. God often begins renewal from a humble and contrite heart.

Second, we need to respond personally to the call of Christ. Following Jesus, the light that has shone among us, requires concrete decisions – ethical choices at work, honesty in leadership, responsibility in citizenship, and holiness in daily living.

Third, we need to continually strive to choose light over darkness. Whether in Church or society, the Light has sent us to be lights wherever we find ourselves. Friends in Christ, the light has appeared. The question is no longer whether we find ourselves surrounded by darkness, but whether we are, each of us, willing to walk in the light and follow where it leads in our own different and personal capacities.

Dear God, let your light shine so steadily in our hearts that we may radiate your brilliant rays even in the midst of darkness. Amen.