III Sunday in Ordinary Time – A (26 Jan 2013) Readings: Isaiah 8: 23 – 9:3 / 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17 / Matthew 4: 12-23

III Sunday in Ordinary Time – A (26 Jan 2013)

Readings:  Isaiah 8: 23 – 9:3 /  1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17 /  Matthew 4: 12-23

Fr. Charles Johnson, O.P.

            Every time I’ve gone to Honduras as part of our Tulane Catholic Center mission to that country, I’ve appeared in several television interviews and news programs.  We go to Honduras in a low-key manner to serve the people in some very remote villages that most people in the nearby large city of San Pedro Sula have never heard of, much less visited.   Still, the TV and radio stations and newspapers want to talk to us and tell the public about our mission and service to the poor in their country. 

               Dina, the coordinator of our Honduran host group, Misioneros de Esperanza (Missionaries of Hope), tells me that since there is so much bad news about the rampant crime and violence in Honduras, it is urgent to get the message out that good things are also happening there.  Thankfully, some media outlets have taken up that challenge.

            Once again, the ancient message of hope given us by the prophet Isaiah guides our way, even in our times: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” I’m continually moved in faith by the example of so many people who follow the light of Christ in the midst of difficult situations, from here in New Orleans to my brothers and sisters in faith that live in Honduras and the other Latin American lands I have served in.  How do they do it? 

            We perceive the light in the midst of the darkness of sin and despair when we believe in the One who shines forth with the rays of Divine Mercy and peace.   Following Christ means not to curse the darkness, but trust in the light.  It means to know him as Emmanuel, God with Us:  God with us, yes, but all the time, through the dark valley and during the mountaintop experiences. 

           Pope emeritus Benedict XVI wrote a few years ago, “A distinguishing mark of Christians is the fact that they have a future: it is not that they know the details of what awaits them, but they know in general terms that their life will not end in emptiness.”  He continues, “Only when the future is certain as a positive reality does it become possible to live the present as well.”Hope for the future begins by putting our faith into practice in the present moment.

           Our Honduran brothers and sisters teach us that faith means recognizing the darkness of sin and suffering around us, but that we base and guide our lives by something else – someone else – the radiant light of God’s love. What does that light look like?  It shines from on high and up close.  Pope Francis gives an illuminating response:  “Faith teaches us to see that every man and woman represents a blessing for me, that the light of God’s face shines on me through the faces of my brothers and sisters.” Sometimes those faces might smile at us, sometimes not.  Still, the “light of God’s face” seeks to shine forth, no matter what the masks of selfishness, hate or indifference might try to hide behind them.  

        To seek good news when most of it seems rather bad does not mean to be perennially or superficially happy.  People in Honduras and in our own country and city grow tired of bad news.  We must hope and work for a better and less-violent society.  In faith we must come to know that nothing needs to be destroyed, but built up with the love of God.

          Dominican sister Annie Willetts, O.P. reminded us Dominican friars in a recent retreat, “Sin is the visible absence of God, while grace is the invisible presence of God.”  Invisible?  In a sense, but only because the Lord waits for us to make his mercy and love felt and visible. 

God is there, but that statement only makes sense when we trust that God is with us, so that through us He might also be there for others.