In the Gospel today, Jesus reiterates the words of the prophet Isaiah: “the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” We have been privileged to see this great light. This light has been given to us by God; it is the light of faith. Recognizing that God freely offered this light to us, we must now make a loving response. Faith is our response to this gift of light. How do we respond? How do we nurture this faith? In his book, The Day is Now Far Spent, Cardinal Sarah writes:
“Faith grows in an intense life of prayer and contemplative silence. It is nourished and strengthened in a daily face-to-face meeting with God and in an attitude of adoration and silent contemplation. It is professed in the Creed, celebrated in the liturgy, lived out in keeping the Commandments. It achieves its growth through an interior life of adoration and prayer.”
I encourage each of you to take time this week and nurture that light of faith you have received. Respond to God with gratitude. Do so by attending a daily Mass and/or by spending time in St. Joseph’s Chapel during Perpetual Adoration. Strengthen your relationship with God, now.