THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

He withdrew to Galilee . . . to live in Capernaum by the sea. 

Jesus left his hometown of Nazareth for the larger city of Capernaum to begin his ministry. Why Capernaum? On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, it was well connected to the surrounding cities by land and water. Some of his first disciples lived there as well. And not least of all, it fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy that in the “Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light” (Matthew 4:15-16).

These are all strategic factors, but one other factor puts everything else in context: Jesus went where there was need. Capernaum was a hub from which he could reach the most people.

Jesus healed and preached repentance in Capernaum, but he didn’t stop there. He went wherever people needed him, bringing the light of his presence “around all . . . Galilee” and beyond (Matthew 4:23).

Now Jesus is sending you out to be a light in the darkness around you. As he did so long ago, he is asking you to do: go where there is need. Make your home your “hub” as Jesus did, and move out from there. Let your light shine through your words and your actions, and you’ll be able to push back the darkness.

What kind of darkness? It might be simply that people haven’t heard the good news about Jesus. Or they might be suffering the darkness of loneliness or isolation. Or the darkness might come from difficult circumstances, like a job loss or sickness. God’s life in you is like a light that you can take wherever you go.

It’s not as complicated as you might think. Your faithfulness to your daily prayer time or Mass attendance can inspire the people that you live with. When you take the time to visit someone who is infirm or elderly, you can ease their loneliness. Even sending a note or email to a friend in tough circumstances can help lift their spirits. So start with the needs you see close to home. And like Jesus, work your way outward.

“Jesus, thank you that you bring your light wherever it’s needed. Help me to do the same.”

1 John 3:22–4:6
Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25