Chapter 2. Pope Francis. Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. Year A. Isaiah 9: , Luke 2: This prophecy of Isaiah never ceases to touch us, especially when we hear it proclaimed in the litur gy of Christmas Nig ht. This is not simply an emotional or sentimental matter. It moves us because it states the deep reality of what we are: a people who walk, and all around us — and within us as well — there is darkness and light.
In this night, as the spirit of darkness enfolds the world, there takes place anew the event which always amazes and surprises us: the people who walk see a great light.
A light which makes us reflect on this mystery: the mystery of walking and seeing. This verb makes us reflect on the course of history, that long journey which is the history of salvation, starting with Abraham, our father in faith, whom the Lord called one day to set out, to go forth from his country towards the land which he would show him.
From that time on, our identity as believers has been that of a people making its pilgrim way towards the promised land. This history has always been accompanied by the Lord! He is ever faithful to his covenant and to his promises. Yet on the part of the people there are times of both light and darkness, fidelity and infidelity, obedience, and rebellion; times of being a pilgrim people and times of being a people adrift.
In our personal history too, there are both bright and dark moments, lights and shadows. If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light; but if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us and around us. A people who walk, but as a pilgrim people who do not want to go astray.
