“I WILL make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:5-6).
My fellow Christians, these words that God spoke to Prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament are directed to us today. God is calling each one of us to bring light and hope to a world that has become dark.
It has become dull with threats of war between nations, an increase of nuclear arms, disregard and destruction for human lives, homelessness and unaffordable housing and healthcare even in rich countries, human and sex trafficking, climate change, natural disasters like the recent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and deep divisions in politics.
But how do we become a light to the nations? The short answer is to keep sharing the words and the Spirit of Jesus around us, which are all about love, mercy, forgiveness, peace, justice, and care for the poor.
But doesn’t the Church do it? Don’t bishops, priests, pastors, and lay ministers preach about Christ’s teachings day after day? Yes, the Church proclaims his words, but it is even more critical that she does it with much vigor, passion, and conviction. The Church must never get tired of presenting the truth of Christ to the whole world and all its religions.
“Even when many of our people and children have left the Church and abandoned their Christian faith?” we might ask. Yes, even in times of crisis, failures, regrets, disappointment, and helplessness. We must never give up and grow weary of proclaiming and living our faith in Jesus.
It’s what John the Baptist showed us in this Sunday’s Gospel when he said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John pointed to Jesus as the One who forgives, the One who pre-exists, the One who is Spirit-filled, and the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
For many of us who have experienced His love and forgiveness, Jesus is our life and hope. And as we deepen our relationship with him, we discover more the richness and mystery of our faith in him that cannot be exhausted in quick answers and statements.
Our daily actions and behaviors must genuinely manifest our belief in Christ and his teachings. Then we’ll draw more people to our faith and change the way they may have experienced a hypocritical and alienating Church.
May the light of Christ illumine the hearts and minds of all people, especially the leaders of our governments, so that peace and justice may reign in our world!
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
