Monday after Epiphany – 1 John 3:22-4:6; Matthew 4:12-17,23-25

What is the measure of closeness to Jesus, closeness to the Kingdom? When is close really close? Regular prayer, faithfulness to Sunday Mass, daily reading of the Bible, peace of heart – is it already close or still far?

To believe in His name and love as He commanded us. This is the measure of closeness. When regular prayer results in sensitivity to the poor and the little ones; when the Sunday Eucharist results in generosity towards your neighbours; when the food of the Word in your mouth becomes medicine for the wounded; when your peace becomes a lifeline for the desperate and hopeless – know that you are close, and through you His Kingdom becomes close. In the shadowy land of death, light rises.