Fr. Bob's Reflection for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time -

I once read a story about tourists visiting the famous Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. While they were deep below the surface in the giant cavern, the lights suddenly went out. Among those trapped in the darkness were two children: an 8-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sister. It was a frightening moment for everyone, especially the children. The little girl began to cry, but her brother stayed calm. “Don’t worry,” he whispered. “There’s a man up there who knows how to turn the lights on again.” That story beautifully captures the prophecy of Isaiah in today’s first reading – the same prophecy Matthew applies to Jesus in the Gospel: “The people who live in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone.” Before Jesus came, the world was dark and full of fear, much like that cavern when the lights went out. Yet into that darkness came Isaiah’s reassuring voice, promising that a great light would soon shine and scatter the shadows. That promise was fulfilled in Jesus, the Light of the World. Spiritual writers often tell us that what happened to Israel as a nation happens to each of us personally. We all experience times when the lights seem to go out – moments of confusion, fear, or loss. And just like those children in the Caverns, we need to know that Someone above us knows how to turn the lights back on. Bethany Hamilton, the professional surfer, learned this firsthand. Surfing since childhood, she was already competing professionally by age 10. But at 13, she lost her left arm when she was attacked by a tiger shark. For a time, she wondered if she would ever surf again. But through determination and deep faith in God, she returned to the water with a redesigned board that allowed her to continue her career. She has often said that her faith in God gave her strength, purpose and resilience – and her story even inspired a major film. For Bethany, the lights went out, but they soon came back on. And I’ve heard similar stories from countless people who have walked through darkness. The lights always return. We all face moments that throw us into darkness: the loss of someone we love, a devastating diagnosis, a broken marriage, a shattered dream, the loss of a job. Any of these can leave us feeling as if we are stumbling in the dark. But when those moments come, remember Isaiah’s promise: “The people who live in darkness will see a great light.” The dark times in life do not have to be the end. They can be the beginning. And when the lights return, they often shine brighter and more radiantly than before. And if you need one more assurance, my friends, remember today’s psalm: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Yours in Christ, Fr. Robert Warren, S.A. Spiritual Director