The Catholic Defender: The just man is a light in darkness to the upright. Alleluia.
- Donald Hartley
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
"The just man is a light in darkness to the upright," which comes from Psalm 112:4 (often used in Catholic liturgies). It refers to a person who is gracious, merciful, and righteous, bringing light or hope to those in dark situations.
The "just" or "good" man is described as someone who is generous, merciful, and does not fear bad news because their heart is trusting in the Lord.
"Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just".
In this context, light represents hope, guidance, and divine favor arising even during times of adversity or "darkness"
The primary Bible verse instructing believers to be light is Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus states, "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven". This call encourages reflecting Christ's love through good actions in dark places.
Mary was making memories. She was collecting a sort of mental scrapbook. The other key word in this verse is the word, “pondered.” The Greek word means “to throw thoughts together; mull over, draw conclusions, consider, confer mentally.” Another definition for ponder is to wonder at a deep level.
St Thomas Aquinas describes the effect of receiving Holy Communion.
He says, [the Blessed Sacrament] should enflame us with desire for Our Lord, and “inflame our hearts [with charity] and make us godlike… The fervor of charity is its actual effect.” (IIIa q. 79 a. 8)
These are its effects, unless we put up obstacles.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
So our level of devotion, our reverence for and appreciation of, the Most Blessed Sacrament will help or hinder the effects we get from our Holy Communions.
If we were more reverent towards and grateful for the Most Blessed Sacrament, our Holy Communions would be more fruitful.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
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