“But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.” 

Malachi 4:2 

Read Malachi 3:16-4:6 

It is dark when I get into my car to drive into school. It is dark when I drive back home in the early evening. It is dead winter, and it sometimes seems as if the sun will never come again. The Bible reading for this day delivers strong warnings: the wicked and the arrogant will be consumed utterly, and not a trace of them will remain. But the prophet Malachi also offers a note of hope for the faithful remnant in this weary world: the sun is coming, and so is the Son. 

The passage speaks of a time when those who feared the Lord gathered together, offering mutual encouragement. They found solace in knowing that their words and actions were seen by God, and he took note of their faithfulness. In a world shrouded in darkness, these righteous souls stood as a radiant sun, reflecting God’s glory and righteousness. 

The message from Malachi is clear: if our hearts are filled with a renewed reverence for God, we will shine as lights in this world, dispelling the darkness of sin and bringing hope to those around us. 

What does it mean to act as righteous people? It means we are called in our daily lives to bring light to those dwelling in darkness of all kinds. We are called to help heal all forms of injustice in the world. We are called to plant the seeds that will blossom into joy in the coming year, rejoicing in the return of the Son. 

Gracious and loving God, forgive us for the times we have allowed darkness to overshadow our lives, so that we may be radiant reflections of your love and grace.