Psalm Reflection: The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

“The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” - Psalm 112

Have you ever been in a dark room for a while to the point where your eyes begin to adjust and you can start to see better in the dark?

When I walk into my daughter’s room at night I have to blindly make my way over to her crib, kneel down, and wait. After a while, the outline of her head will appear somewhere on the mattress below as my eyes become acclimated to the dark, and I can comfort her, pray over her, or just watch her sleep.

Darkness is often compared to sin because it works the same way. The more we do it, the more easily we become accustomed to more of the same. And if we decide we don’t want to be in darkness anymore and we make our way out into the light, what happens? 

It is painful.

Like eyes adjusted to darkness are blinded when suddenly forced into the sunlight, walking back into the light is a struggle; it takes a while until we can even squint and even longer before we can begin to see clearly.

As Christians we are called to be this light to others, but light is sometimes difficult to look at. If we shine brightly in the midst of other people’s darkness, they might respond angrily or out of fear. They may want to stay in the dark because it is easier and what they are accustomed to. We have to be bold and be willing let go of people always liking us, agreeing with us, or having an immediate and positive reaction to us authentically living the Gospel. 

Without the sun, we would die. We need it’s light to sustain life. The people around us need the light of the Son whether they know it or not. So, no matter how they may respond, do not be afraid to shine brightly, boldly and joyfully for the Lord this week. You never know the wake up call or the lifeline you could be giving to someone who is trapped in darkness and doesn’t even realize it.

We are praying for you.

See you in the Eucharist.