331st Meditation
“Though night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples, on you the Lord is rising and over you his glory can be seen” (Is 60:2).
Do these words not accurately describe the present situation of the world, if one does not close one’s eyes to reality? Is not the loss of faith increasingly obscuring the life of peoples? Has not confusion penetrated even into our Holy Church?
Whoever has eyes to see can easily verify this.
But the Lord’s promise applies precisely in the darkness of this time and remains ever valid. When we lift up our eyes, we behold the radiance of our Father. His glory is not covered in itself. It is sin and error that cover it before our eyes. But as soon as one renounces sin and turns to the Father, His light can enter our heart.
If those who do not yet know the Father will lift their eyes to Him, He will send into their hearts a ray of this light, so that they may rise and begin to see….
Although this promise of the Prophet Isaiah is initially addressed to Israel, the “Firstborn”, it becomes a reality for all people in the coming of Jesus into the world.
The Messiah has dawned upon all peoples as a radiant light, so that they may be delivered from all darkness and attain salvation. The Son of God seeks out the lost sheep and gathers them into one flock (cf. Jn 10:16).
It is the inexhaustible love of our heavenly Father, which is always waiting, which is always ready to pour itself into the lives of people. If they recognise, honour and love Him as Father, peace will come. Then light will shine in the midst of the thickest darkness, and the thick clouds that often hang over the lives of nations will have to dissipate.