The Light that Draws us Close

Originally, I wanted to create a video reflecting on how I felt about today’s reading but like most things that happen time got away from me. Too much work, too many chores, too much going on... I forgot to stop and breathe. I wish I had stopped and taken the time to be creative and showcase a video to you, maybe next time. As for now, I will write to you.

I’ve never written a blog before so please bear with me as I try to get my words out. Today’s first reading really stuck out to me for some reason. At first glance I was inspired by the quote, “the light shall rise for you in the darkness” as this is relatable to everyone. The sun will always come the next day, your light will never be diminished by the darkest night. God will be there for you always, follow him. Like the Earth around us, the water will run, the grass will get greener, the light will not stop shining because of Him.

In the Gospel, Jesus was very busy healing the sick and forgiving sins. Interestingly, he got under the Pharisees’ skins for eating and drinking with the tax collectors and sinners. So, just like that, the people were easily questioning the works of Jesus. The Pharisees were the people who were committed to structure and order. Those who were tax collectors were known for extorting money from the poor and taking money off the top while giving the rest of the money to the Romans, it was a brutal and endless cycle. But for some reason, Jesus chose to go have dinner at Levi’s house… why? Why deal with the judgment and the hatred? Was it because it was the biggest party with the most money, no… This was the moment that gave Jesus an amazing opportunity to show the people who he was and what his purpose was in life. As simple as he could be, he commented that it is not the healthy people who need medical help, but those that are sick need the help. It is not the good that needs Jesus, but the sinners who need changed hearts and lives. He was not judging them at all, he simply wanted to change their ways for the better of all people. He knew if he could reach the sinners and change the ways they thought and acted, they too would follow in the footsteps of the Lord. Clearly, we know that Levi took place in this transformation. Jesus approached him and said follow me, so he did and left everything behind and would later become the disciple, Matthew. Even in darkness, the light began to shine through. It is with that perspective that one truly can make a difference.

The people who are healthy and well off will not think that they need help, therefore, they won’t pursue it. However, the unfortunate and sick are desperately seeking help from anyone who offers a hand, begging to be healed. All Jesus wanted to do was to open the minds and hearts of these tax collectors and sinners and hope that they would change for the better of themselves and others around them. Perhaps that is what this is all talking about, reminding yourself and the universe that we have to transform our hearts and minds. When we know we need help, reach out, grab a hand and take in the light. When we feel like we are trapped and surrounded by darkness and distanced from God, we can be open to Him drawing us closer. We may not see the light, but we begin to feel it, we feel His warm embrace pulling us closer to him reminding us to breathe. And when we feel unworthy of His light, unlovable and lost, that is when God will fill us with His unconditional love. It’s really a backward type of scenario but in the end, we can thank God for pulling us out of the darkness and bringing us into the light.

Author: Selina Estrada, Video Production Specialist