Let Your Light Break Forth

Isaiah and Jesus both speak about light and darkness. What new thing does Isaiah say? In the return of Israel from their sixth-century exile, the prophet indicted the people for neglecting their needy neighbors and their indifference to the common good. Returnees to Zion had been promised a wonderful life as an inducement to embark on the onerous journey back to Jerusalem. What the people actually found was a partially ruined city and a devastated economy. Did they come together and rebuild despite their disappointment? Apparently not. They mouthed the comforting words of their liturgy but did not share their bread with the hungry. 

Isaiah responds to the people’s discontent with a surprising message. He does not tell them to pray more, conduct more elaborate liturgies, or lengthen their prayers. He says, instead, look around you at the people in need whom you barely notice: Share your bread with the hungry, / shelter the oppressed and the homeless; / clothe the naked when you see them, / and do not turn your back on your own flesh. 

If you do these things, Isaiah assures them, an unexpected thing will result. “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, / and your wound shall quickly be healed. / Your vindication shall go before you, / and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, / you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!” Isaiah’s remedy was not novel. Psychologists today would say something similar to people disappointed at not getting immediate results and becoming resentful.  

By their baptism, Christians share Christ’s mission to bring the good news of God’s salvation to our world. Jesus says: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” When you were baptized, you were given a candle, signifying the light you were to be to the world. Christians should revere this memorable image of our baptismal vocation because it sums it up so vividly and neatly.  

Richard Clifford, S.J., has taught biblical studies for 55 years, most recently at the Clough School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College, and has written many scholarly and popular books and articles.