In today’s Mass readings, light shines through the presence of gloom (Is 58:10; Ps 112:4). The light of Christ shines through the seeming gloom of the cross (see Mt 4:16; Is 9:1). That is the “real light” (Jn 1:9; 1 Jn 2:8), the spotlight, the beacon shining out in the gloom of night. Today’s Mass features this prayer in the Preface: “You have called us out of darkness into Your own wonderful light” (see 1 Pt 2:9).

In today’s Gospel, Jesus declares: “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). However, the light of Christ shining through you must not be hidden under a bushel basket (Mt 5:15). The bushel basket is not humility; it is a combination of pride and fear.

We ourselves are not the light (see Jn 1:8). Instead, we are to be like stained-glass windows, which “magnify” the light, just as the Blessed Virgin Mary magnified the Lord (see Lk 1:46). The light of Christ shining through us “shall break forth like the dawn” (Is 58:8) and shine through the darkness (see Ps 112:4). “Light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday” (Is 58:10).

Jesus crucified is the Light of the World (Jn 8:12). The Creed we say at Mass proclaims: “Light from light,” meaning Jesus the Light is sent from the Father Who is Light (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 242). In a similar way, let Christ’s light shine brightly in your daily life and actions. It’s dark and gloomy out there. Proclaim the crucified Jesus. Let His light shine.

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 27, 2025"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.