Day 29 of Lent: April 2, 2025

Matthew 4:16–17

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

The light that dawned in Bethlehem has never stopped shining.

Though we often hear these words during the Christmas season if we let them they can echo with even deeper meaning in Lent. 

Jesus steps into a world full of darkness —where fear, despair, grief, and injustice live—and Christ brings light. Not a just a momentary flicker but a great light. A light that breaks into our darkness and will never fade.

As we move through this season marked by ashes, we may feel the weight of our mistakes bearing down our own lives: things undone, wounds unhealed, unkindness we have shown. sins we carry. Yet, the good news is we are promised where even death attempts to casts its shadow, light has dawned. And that light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never overcome it.

Jesus proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” These aren’t just words but it’s an invitation to turn toward the light. To reorient our hearts. To step away from the things that keep us in the dark and move toward the hope, healing, and joy of God’s reign.

Because of Easter, we know that this light will never be extinguished. Not by death, not by a sealed tomb, not even by our failures. The light that was born at Christmas, revealed in Jesus’ work on earth, and made forever true in the resurrection now leads us towards that promised day.

From ashes to alleluia, we are people of the light. And that light is for all people. Even now, it is breaking into our lives with the promise of grace and the hope of joy that cannot be stolen.

Prayer

God of light,

In our darkness, shine again.

Help us turn from the shadows that cling to us,

and walk in the brightness of your truth.

Your kingdom has come near—

and in Christ, your love has dawned on us.

May your light guide us from ashes to alleluia,

from sorrow to joy,

from death into life everlasting.

Amen.