In this Sunday’s readings, we encounter one of the most powerful images of our faith: light breaking through darkness. The prophet Isaiah speaks to a people who had known oppression, exile, and despair. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” (Isaiah 9:1) And into that darkness, God promises a great light. Matthew’s Gospel shows us the fulfillment of that promise: Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, the very region Isaiah named, bringing light to those “dwelling in a land overshadowed by death.”
This is where Jesus chooses to start. Not in Jerusalem, the center of power. Not among the influential, powerful or rich. He goes to the margins, to the forgotten, to those long acquainted with struggle. And his first words are both an invitation and challenge: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Then Jesus does something remarkable. He calls ordinary fishermen to join his mission. Peter and Andrew, James and John, leave their nets immediately and follow him. They become “fishers of men,” called to draw others out of darkness and into the light of Christ.
We too are called to be light in our world. We are called to follow the Lord like Peter and his friends and be the voice and light in this world. And there is no shortage of darkness around us.
This week, three American cardinals issued a joint statement calling our nation to embrace a moral compass in foreign policy. Cardinals Blase Cupich, Robert McElroy, and Joseph Tobin, inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s address to the diplomatic corps, wrote that “our country’s moral role in confronting evil around the world, sustaining the right to life and human dignity, and supporting religious liberty are all under examination.” They expressed concern about policies that weaken alliances built over seven decades of peace with NATO, threaten allies with tariffs, and replace diplomacy with domination.
As Cardinal Tobin reminded us: “It can’t be that my prosperity is predicated on inhuman treatment of others. The real argument isn’t just my right or individual rights, but what is the common good.”
Pope Leo XIV himself warned that “a diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force… War is back in vogue.” The cardinals are clear that this is not partisan politics. As Cardinal Tobin said, “We’re not endorsing a political party or a political movement.” They are simply asking us to measure our national actions against the Gospel. We need to raise our voices and say this is not who we are as Americans. This is NOT who we are, regardless of our political party. We must use our voice to shine a light on this darkness.
Being light in darkness also means seeing those who are hidden and vulnerable. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and as we approach the Super Bowl, it’s important to remember that large events can create opportunities for exploitation. While research shows the Super Bowl itself doesn’t cause a spike in trafficking, the heightened awareness around the event shines a light on what Pope Francis has called “an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ.” The Diocese of San Jose is hosting seminars on human trafficking next week, more information is on their website here
There are an estimated 27 million people trapped in modern slavery worldwide. Pope Francis urges us: “Let us help one another to be more responsive, to open our lives and hearts to our sisters and brothers, who even now are being bought and sold as slaves. It is never too late to take action.” This is what it means to be fishers of men: to pull people out of the depths of exploitation into the light of freedom and dignity.
In our second reading, St. Paul urges the Corinthians to be united: “I urge you, brothers and sisters… that there be no divisions among you.” In a world fractured by partisanship and polarization, Paul’s words remind us that we belong to Christ, not to factions. Our unity comes from Him who is the light, Christ Himself.
That unity in Christ is made visible when we choose to live as a true community—one where all are welcomed, where faith is shared, and where the Gospel is handed on to the next generation. As I continue to reflect on our recent anniversary celebrations (70 years as a parish and 65 years as a school), I am reminded that a small group of faithful families transformed an apricot orchard into a parish grounded in shared vision and trust in the Holy Spirit. In the years that followed, a convent, rectory, and parish school rose from that same soil, thanks to the sacrifices of pioneering parishioners and the devoted presence of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. As we prepare to celebrate Catholic School Weeks, I am grateful that our St. Simon Parish School is more than a place of education—it is a ministry of formation, shaping the whole child in faith, knowledge, and love, and a living sign of our unity in Christ.
On Wednesday, grandparents and friends are invited to celebrate Generations Day starting with Mass at 10:00 AM followed by activities and refreshments. Our students look forward to welcoming you! If you know of someone looking for a faith-filled education for their child, please tell them about our school and connect them with Theresa Clark, Director of Admissions, your continued support will help our community flourish for generations to come! Visit www.stsimon.school
As we reflect on this Sunday’s readings, let us ask: Where is Jesus calling me to bring light? Perhaps it is in speaking up for the vulnerable. Perhaps it is in working for peace and the common good. Perhaps it is in supporting our school or reaching out to a neighbor in need. Like Peter and Andrew, may we have the courage to drop our nets and follow wherever Christ leads.
The darkness is real. But so is the light. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Read the ebulletin HERE
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan