“Discovering Jesus as the Light of Hope, even in the ‘mines of deepest darkness and despair!'”

(Based on Isa 8:23-9:3, 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17 and Mt 4:12-23 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

August 5, 2010.
In the San José Mine of Chile, a sudden collapse trapped 33 miners under 2,300 feet of rock.

The world above had no way of knowing if they were alive.
Days passed.
No food. No water.
Just darkness, heat, and despair.

Seventeen days later, when all hope seemed lost, a drill finally broke through.
As it was pulled back up, a small note was attached: “Estamos bien en el refugio, los 33” – “We are well in the shelter, all 33 of us.”

The world erupted in joy!
The rescue mission intensified.

But there was one problem – getting them out would take time…
… the miners would have to survive 52 more days underground.

But down below, something remarkable was happening

Cut off from the world, these men turned to God.

Many of them had never thought about God before.
But now?
Now they realized – no money, no success, no strength could save them.
Only God could.

Buried beneath the earth, they discovered a thirst no water could satisfy!

And later, when they were finally rescued, after 69 days in darkness, one of them testified:”We were 33… but God made us 34.
He was with us the whole time.”

Life often traps us in ‘the dark mines of difficulties and despair!”

But we are reminded that “Hope does not disappoint!” (Cf. Rom 5:5)
God is always with us!

Even when buried under the weight of impossibility, God’s light finds a way through!

This is what the readings of the Day present through Prophet Isaiah speaking of “people walking in darkness seeing a great light” (Cf. Isa 8:23-9:3)…
… and this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, the Light of the world.

Prophet Isaiah speaks to a people living under intense political and social pressure.

The northern kingdom of Israel faced repeated threats from the Assyrian empire.
The region of Galilee, near the border with hostile territories, was historically a place of vulnerability and uncertainty – a place of darkness
… fear of conquest
… loss of autonomy
… economic hardship
Yet God promises that a light will shine…
… bringing guidance, hope and restoration.

This is what we see historically in the ministry of Jesus in Galilee.

After John the Baptist was arrested by Herod Antipas, Jesus moved into this northern region (Mt 4:12).

Galilee was not a politically secure, influential, or elite area…
… it was a borderland, a crossroads of cultures, and a place under constant threat of invasion.

Into this context, Jesus begins proclaiming: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 4:17).
He later goes on to call his first disciples (Cf. Mt 4:18-22)

The people of Galilee, living under Roman influence and local unrest…
… were invited into a new reality through Jesus
… just as Isaiah had foretold.

We often go through moments of unrest and struggle.

Are we ready to accept “the Light of Christ” into our lives?

“Yes” would mean:
“Repenting of our former ways,” and living in accordance with the norms of the Kingdom of God…
… repenting of sins, to which we cling on to!
… willingness to be healed of our past memories which wound us!

“Yes” would also mean:
“Leaving behind our fishing nets” and following Jesus in complete trust
… letting go of our attachments and sinful tendencies!
… doing away with habits and practices that takes our hearts away from Christ!

St Paul exhorts us to “be united in the same mind and the same purpose.” (cf. 1 Cor 1:10)

We are called to live as “God’s Luminous People” – living in unity and living in hope!

Yes… life often tends to bury us under “fear, loss and hardships!”

But the Promise of the Lord always shines forth.

Lets realise that “sometimes it takes being trapped in darkness…
… to finally see the light God offers!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!