Light up the World 

   “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8: 12) 

   Over and over again Jesus is referred to as “light” in the gospels.  In John’s gospel alone there are at least eight references to our Lord as “light”.  He writes, “And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred the darkness to light, because their works were evil.” (John 3: 19).  To me this so beautifully expresses the dilemma of the world.  The Light is among us, but we refuse to see Him.

   Whenever I see the sunrise I can’t help but think of Jesus.  As the sun shines through the clouds, I remember that He is the light that came to overcome the darkness.  I think this is, at least in part, what it means to be a contemplative; to see God in all things, thinking of Him at all times whether at work or play, in joy and in sorrow.

   In the Nicene Creed, recited each Sunday at Mass, we affirm that Jesus is “God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God.”  I love the description of Jesus as “Light from Light”.  He came to be the Light of the world and to share that Light with the world.

   Think of a single candle.  From the flame of that one candle hundreds, or even thousands of candles can be lit, never dimming the original flame.  So it is with our Lord, His word can light up the world, His truth can save the world.  He has shared His light with all who believe in Him.  It is our responsibility to share His light with others.  It is to be our joy and our delight to tell others of the love of God who sent His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to save us from our sins.

   Let’s light the candle.  Let’s pass the flame to all who will accept it.  Let’s light up the world with Christ and overcome the darkness. 

You are the Light.

You can overcome the darkness.

Let Your light shine in me.

That I might share it with others. 

Amen