TEACHING IN DARKNESS
Jesus told his disciples, “What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops” (Mt 10:27). This profound instruction from Jesus holds multiple layers of meaning and significance.
Private Revelations to the Apostles
Teaching in darkness can refer to the private instructions Jesus gave to His apostles, away from the crowds. Mark 4:34 highlights this practice: “He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.” The public, who heard only the parables, often missed their deeper meanings. For instance, after teaching the parable of the Sower, Jesus explained its significance only to His disciples: “Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that ‘they may look but not see, and hear but not understand’” (Lk 8:9-10).
The Hidden Identity of Jesus
Another aspect of teaching in darkness pertains to the gradual revelation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. During His ministry, Jesus often instructed His disciples to keep His identity a secret until the appropriate time. When Peter declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16), Jesus responded by strictly ordering His disciples not to tell anyone (Mt 16:20). Similarly, after the Transfiguration, Jesus commanded Peter, James, and John, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead” (Mt 17:9; Mk 9:9).
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The period of teaching in darkness ended with Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name–he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you” (Jn 14:26). The Holy Spirit enlightened the apostles, enabling them to spread the light of Jesus’ message to all who were in spiritual darkness.
Proclaiming the Light
Jesus’ command to “speak in the light” and “proclaim on the housetops” signifies the transition from private instruction to public proclamation. The apostles were to share the truths they had learned in private with the world, despite the persecution they would face (Mt 10:22-26). This mission is echoed in the Catholic Church’s call for evangelization, as emphasized by recent Popes. Pope Francis encourages believers to welcome Jesus into their lives and to trust Him, promising that He will provide the peace and strength needed to live according to His teachings.
REFLECTION
For modern Christians, the message of teaching in darkness holds significant relevance. We are called to be the light in a world that often seems engulfed in darkness. As Ephesians 5:8-9 reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.”
To live as children of light, we must cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, as emphasized by the Catholic Church. This relationship involves encounter, conversion, communion, and mission. It is not enough to keep our faith private; we must actively share it through our words and actions. As St. Francis of Assisi famously said, “Preach the Gospel always, when necessary, use words.”
Teaching in darkness underscores the importance of private revelation, the gradual unveiling of divine truths, and the ultimate call to public proclamation. As Christians, we are tasked with spreading the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. By living authentically and sharing our faith boldly, we can bring the hope and love of Jesus to all corners of the earth. Let us embrace this mission with courage and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.