The Light of Jesus

Readings for Monday March 22, 2010

First Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Gospel: John 8:12-20


Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jn 8:12)

There are few more frustrating experiences than walking around in the dark. It is especially frustrating when you wake up in the middle of the night, stumble around perhaps on your way to the bathroom. When you are walking around in the dark you always seem to be able to find all the things that were left on the floor. It is like someone knew your path in the middle night and placed the object there just for you to step on. I have also had many banged shins due to not being able to see where I was going. I think that we can all generally agree that it is much better to see where we are at and where we are going, it is much better (and safer) to walk around in the light.

Jesus tells us today that He is the light of the world, and that whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. As frustrating and dangerous as it can be to physically walk in the darkness, how much more so going around in this life spiritually in the darkness? I can tell you from my experience, walking spiritually in the darkness is certainly nothing to be desired. Before my conversion, I was living a worldly life, I was so deep into the darkness that I didn't know who I was, where I was at, or where I was going; but thanks be to God for shining His loving and merciful light into my heart and showing me my ways. It is all because of Him that I have life in me now, and that I strive for eternal life.

If you or someone you know is walking in the darkness, please know that it does not have to be this way. Christ died on the Cross so that each of God's sons and daughters could have the light of life inside them. We were not meant for the darkness, it does not suit us, we were meant for the light.

May the light of Jesus shine brightly in each of our lives.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you give and bless us with. Thank you for the gift of our lives and for loving us without holding back. Lord, you are our God and our rock, help us to open our hearts and minds to you, to let your light shine forth in this world for all to see. Lord, we love you, help us to do your will and to go out and love others as we are called to. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.