The Evangelist commemorates in this passage [Mt 4:12–17] the prophets words: “€œBeyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” In what darkness? Certainly in the profound error of ignorance. What great light did they see? The light concerning which it is written: “€œHe was the true light that illumines everyone who comes into this world.” This was the light about which the just man Simeon in the Gospel declared, “€œA light of revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel.” That light had arisen according to what David had announced, saying “a light has arisen in the darkness to the upright of heart.” Also, Isaiah demonstrated that light about to come for the enlightenment of the Church when he said, “€œArise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Concerning that light also Daniel noted, “€œIt reveals the profound and hidden things, knowing those things which are in darkness and the light is with it,” that is, the Son with the Father, for even as the Father is light, so too is the Son light. And David also speaks in the psalm: “In your light shall we see light,” for the Father is seen in the Son, as the Lord tells us in the Gospel: “€œWho sees me, sees the Father.” From the true light, indeed, the true light proceeded, and from the invisible the visible. “He is the image of the invisible God,”€ as the apostle notes.
St. Chromatius