Sunday, January 25, 2026

Dear brothers and sisters,

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.”

What had been said through Isaiah the prophet came to fulfillment in the martyrdom of John the Baptist. Though his life ended, his mission was complete and his purpose fulfilled. From the beginning, John understood who he was and who he was not. He declared himself not the Light, but a witness to the Light; not the Word, but a voice crying out; not the Prophet or the Savior, but the one sent to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Even in death, his humility speaks powerfully because he never drew attention to himself.

By giving his life for the truth, John bore witness that faithfulness, to God’s will, overshadowed personal safety, status, or recognition. Though his voice was silenced, the message he proclaimed did not end with him. It continued and still continues through the mission of Jesus and the witness of the Church. In the past, his mission lived on in the hearts of those who heard his call to repentance and conversion. In the present time, his witness reminds us that a life given to God bears fruit beyond a single lifetime and finds its true fulfillment in Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.”

The same transformation occurred in the disciples when Jesus invited them to follow Him toward the Kingdom of God. Like the people of the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, they were called out of darkness and into new life, becoming “fishers of men.” With no personal expectations, little spiritual preparation, and only partial understanding, they were invited to walk with Jesus, to learn the truth through his teaching, to recognize His divine authority in His mighty works, and to develop their knowledge regarding God’s saving plan through His mission. Chosen from among the out-casts, the lowly, and even sinners, they were transformed into true disciples. Empowered by their encounter with Christ, they continued His mission by proclaiming the Good News to the ends of the earth. Finally, many of them sealed their witness with their blood, laying the foundation of the Church through their martyrdom. In this way, the light that first dawned in Christ spread throughout the world and continues to shine through the life of the Church.

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.”

This same opportunity unfolds in the lives of many of us who open our hearts to God. By accepting the grace of God the Father, the teaching of God the Son, and the guidance of God the Holy Spirit, we are continually transformed along our journey of faith. Through the sacred sacraments, we receive strength to overcome human weakness, resist temptation, and rise above the pull of material concerns. We are not perfect, yet we strive each day to surrender ourselves in faith, trusting in God’s boundless love and mercy. With humility, we echo the prayer of the Church: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ and Our Lady of La Vang!

Reverend Kiet Anh Ta.