January is a dark month of the year. The fun and excitement of the holiday season are over, snowstorms and snow days become inconveniences rather than special events, and the days are still short and the nights long. It is a dreary time of year as we realize that winter is not going away anytime soon.

Some people turn to New Year’s Resolutions to find light in their lives thinking that maybe if I just lose a little weight the darkness would be lifted. Others bury themselves in work, hoping to forget the night around them. Some just want to hibernate and wait for spring, while others travel and wish for warmer places.

Throughout Advent, we waited in Darkness for Christ to come. At Christmas, that light was born into the world. During Epiphany, we see that light revealed for everyone. Christ’s bright and redeeming love is freely given to all. We do not need to stumble in darkness but open our eyes to the Light that is already there for us. Let us embrace that Light and share it with each other.

“In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.”.

Contributed by Jennifer
Monday January 20, 2014
Liturgical Year A: Week 8
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading:
Second Sunday after the Epiphany