Receiving the Light That Is Given

Scripture

“And the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5

Reflection

Epiphany shows us that God does not hide Himself. He gives light freely. Christ is made known in the world, not cautiously or selectively, but generously.

Yet Epiphany also reveals something sobering. The same light that draws some hearts leaves others unchanged. God gives Himself fully, but He does not force the response.

Throughout the Epiphany accounts, Christ is present, visible, and active. Some rejoice. Some worship. Others are disturbed, hesitant, or resistant. The difference does not lie in how God reveals Himself, but in how the light is received.

This is not a failure of revelation. It is the mystery of freedom. God makes Himself known, and the heart must decide whether to receive what has been given.

Today, Epiphany invites us to recognize that Christ continues to give light through His presence in the Church, in His Word, in the sacraments, in creation, and in the events of the world. The question is not whether God has acted, but whether we are willing to receive the light He gives.

Grace Intention

Today I ask for the grace to receive the light Christ gives me.

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the Light given to the world
by the Father’s love.

Remove whatever closes my heart
to what You reveal.

Send forth Your Holy Spirit into my heart,
that I may receive Your light
with humility and faith.

May I not resist Your presence,
but welcome the grace You give
for the salvation You desire to accomplish.

Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

© 2026 Discerning Hearts ®. All rights reserved. This reflection may not be reproduced or distributed without permission, except for personal prayer and noncommercial use with attribution.