Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

Gospel Reading: 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.”  So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

 

Do you ever feel that your life is shrouded in darkness?  During these periods of darkness and despair you feel disoriented and lost.  In today’s Gospel reading, Christ declares that He is the “light of the world”.  It is He who will light the way.  In darkness, we can become scared and panic.  The easiest way to conquer fear is to move into the light.  During Lent, we are called to move out of the darkness into the light.  The darkness is cold and empty yet the light is warm and comforting.  When our life is in disarray and we are lost in the darkness, we should look to Jesus Christ for our hope and comfort.  If Christ is the light, then why did the Pharisees question him?  They questioned Him, because they could not see the light due to their own blindness.  They could not accept him as the one who came to comfort them and to save them.  He was not the mighty military warrior they were expecting, but a meek and humble man.  How could this simple man be their Savior; the one who would deliver them from the oppression of the Romans?  Christ accused them of judging by appearance.  It was because they were shrouded in the darkness of doubt that they could not see that Jesus was truly the Christ.  His Father foretold them of his coming, but they could not understand because they lived in blindness. During these final two weeks of Lent, we need to find the light which Christ shines upon us.  In this light we will find comfort and happiness.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, You are the light of the World.

May your light lead me out of darkness.

May your light warm my soul and give strength.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon