The Light will shine

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today provide guidance to reassure that the fire and light inspired in the hearts of believers through relationship with the Divine will not be extinguished. The Book of Ezra tells of the proclamation of the ruler of persia to end the exile of the Hebrews in Babylon. Those of the the families who had kept the observance of the ties to their faith were now in a position to lead the people back to the visible Covenant relationship with God in Jerusalem. The psalmist echoes the joy of the people praising the good things the Lord has done for them. Luke, in the passage from his Gospel, advises, reassures and exhorts those who have experienced the light and fire of an intimate relationship with Jesus, in his time and ours to know that this light is to be broadcast for all to see. The Evangelist Luke sets the stage for all evangelism. We are drawn to the light.