During Lent, our Old Testament readings are frequently from the Books of Moses, teaching us something of the background of our practices of fasting and abstinence. But just as frequently we turn to the prophets, for it is they who teach us to understand the deeper meaning behind all our religious practices. Lent is a preparation for Easter, of course, but perhaps we may also see it as a consequence of Christmas. God's special gifts to us call forth a special response on our part, and so Lent is a special time for responding to God even more earnestly. As the Prophet Isaiah was our guide through much of Advent, so too in these initial days of Lent, we turn once more to him to help us reflect and pray. During Advent and Christmas we heard Isaiah proclaim that those who sat in darkness had seen a great light, emphasizing the gratuitousness of God's gift. He returns to that theme today: "light shall rise for you in the darkness". But now there is something expected of us. Beyond our religious practices there are the demands of justice and concern for others. By working for justice we share in the mission of Jesus to be the light of the world.