Light

Jesus said, “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness” (John 12:46).

            At this time of year, light is something we take for granted. When I go out for my daily walk, I see more people: cutting the grass; preparing their garden for planting; and gathering the dead branches lying on their lawn. The warmer temperatures combined with the longer sunlight after Supper gives individuals the chance to do chores that have been postponed since last Fall. Living in Canada, where six months from now it will be dark by 5:00 PM helps us appreciate the gift of this extra light.

            In this passage from John, Jesus teaches some Jews “I have come as light into the world”. By doing so, he uses a metaphor which stresses how he can help people see the truth about God.

            During Christ’s lifetime, light was a valuable commodity. Since the sun was the primary source of light for people, most of their activities occurred during the daytime hours and few left their homes after dark. Those who travelled at night were dependant on torches or lamps which made them vulnerable to bandits and other threats. Indoors, the only illumination available came from a fireplace or lamp. Old Testament Writers recognized the importance and scarcity of light and often associated it with Wisdom and Holiness. As light guided one safely to a destination, so Wisdom and Holiness brought one through life to eternal happiness. When Jesus told the crowd he came as light into the world, he indicated acceptance of him and his message recognized the difference between Knowledge and Ignorance. Acceptance identified a perception of the truth which led to Eternal Life with God. Rejection revealed a preference for ignorance which led to Eternal Condemnation in the Final Days when the fullness of truth was disclosed. As light ended darkness; so truth expelled ignorance. The truth Jesus revealed depended not on Human Wisdom or Political power but Divine authority. Since like darkness, ignorance and evil were a common experience, the light of truth often seemed weak and fragile. Yet, because truth came from God, falsehood and Sin were no match for it. Its power was infinite and eternal.

            During this Covid 19 Pandemic, Catholics and other people of faith comprehend how the light of truth can overpower the darkness of ignorance. Sin and falsehood have never gone out of fashion. The bad guys often get away with murder. As the number of Covid 19 Cases and Deaths rise and tensions around the world with them, the temptation to hide in the darkness and ignore the light of truth becomes even stronger. Catholics and other people of Faith know there is right and wrong. They know they will be held accountable for their deeds. They know the truth which God revealed will prevail in the end. As Catholics, we know Christ taught us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. He told us we must: feed the hungry; cloth the naked; visit the sick and imprisoned; and fight for what is right. He never said we could use Covid 19 as an excuse for not doing so.

            When Jesus lived on earth, he was the light which came into the world. Now that he has returned to his Father in Heaven we are that light. Do we appreciate this great gift? Can people see it burning within us? If not, we need to re-kindle that light so the darkness and fear which has accompanied the Virus doesn’t overwhelm our world.

May 6, 2020