Light in Unexpected Places

January 05, 2026 Feast of Saint John Neumann
Daily Readings: 1 John 3:22–4:6; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Children of God: here is a fun fact about Saint John Neumann, whose feast we celebrate today. He is the first male saint who was a bishop in the United States, and he was known for his small stature but tireless energy. He walked long distances to serve immigrant communities, built schools, and organized parishes, believing that the light of Christ must reach people where they actually live. His life already prepares us to understand why Jesus chose certain places to begin His public ministry.

There are many places throughout the four gospels that are always mentioned and we seemed to be familiar, places like Jerusalem, Bethany, Jericho, and of course Nazareth. But today, we zoom in on the places of Zebulun and Naphtali which are mentioned in Matthew 4:13. What is so special with these less popular places that they deserve a special mention in the gospel? Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali! These lands were once among the first regions conquered and humiliated by foreign powers. They were border areas, culturally mixed, looked down upon by the religious elite of Jerusalem. Yet Matthew recalls the prophecy: “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light” (Matthew 4:16). Jesus deliberately begins not in the center of power, but in the margins where hope seemed weakest.

Today, the ancient lands of Zebulun and Naphtali correspond largely to northern Israel and areas near modern Lebanon. Even now, these regions often appear in the news because of tension, conflict, and uncertainty. The gospel detail reminds us that God’s saving work does not avoid wounded places; it enters them. Light does not wait for perfect conditions. It shines precisely where darkness has lingered the longest.

From these places, Jesus proclaims a simple but demanding message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). He heals the sick, frees those tormented, and gathers crowds from many regions (Matthew 4:23–25). The kingdom spreads not by force, but by compassion and presence.

Children of God: The Feast of Saint John Neumann and the gospel together challenge us to ask where we are being sent. Perhaps not to famous places, but to overlooked ones; not to comfort, but to service. When Christ’s light touches our lives, we are also called to carry that light into today’s Zebuluns and Naphtalis: homes, workplaces, and communities longing for hope.