I Am The Light Of The World (John 8:12)

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

A teacher was explaining the story of creation to her class. She told the students that on the first day God created light to dispel the darkness that existed. Every year the children took the class well. However, this year a smart Johnny raised a question that stumped the teacher. He asked her, “If darkness existed, how could God see or do anything without light.” The teacher was at a loss for words but promised the lad that she would answer the question when time permitted.

That evening after school, she contacted the priest and got her answer. “God is light. In him, darkness never existed. He is uncreated light; on the first day, he created light that you and I may see. The light with which we see was his creation for us his creatures to appreciate his creativity.”

True religion has always been associated with light. The scriptures describe God as dwelling in inaccessible light. To the prophets God was light to Israel and Eternal Light. When baby Jesus was brought, to the temple to fulfill what the law required, the prophet Simeon acclaimed him as a light to the nations. Jesus is the Light of the world.

The great candelabra recalled the pillar of fire, which guided the Israelites through the wilderness. Jesus is the light for all people of all times. God guides us through his son; whoever follows Jesus will not walk in darkness. To follow the light means true discipleship consisting of active faith, which delivers from error and sin.

The Pharisees objected the self-testimony of Jesus and considered it worthless. They were ignorant of his origin and destiny. They deliberately shut themselves off from the light of Christ and preferred darkness instead.

Part of our human condition aggravated by sin is the absence of light for seeking and discerning what is good. We need to be continuously enlightened by prayer, listening to the Word of God, studying the teachings of the Church and accepting the good advice of our brothers and sisters. By these means, Jesus enlightens our conscience. Let us thank him, this Lent for coming into our world and giving us this divine grace. Christ has the power to transform our lowly bodies into a higher calling. This final development is reached in Paradise, when by the light of glory we see God face to face.

“Lord Jesus, I thank you for coming into the world to save sinners like me who dwelled in darkness. Lord, may your light always protect me from life’s dark alleys.”