In today’s Gospel Jesus declares: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We have all had the experience of being in the dark and trying to walk around. We need light to see and to walk around in safety. In a deeper and spiritual way Jesus teaches us that we need him to see our world and ourselves. The way to safety and to salvation is through Jesus. John’s Gospel repeats this theme of Jesus as light at key points in his Gospel. This theme is first announced in the Gospel prologue:
“What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:3-5).
Jesus is the Logos or Word who was with God in the beginning before creation. The Evangelist declares that this light shines in our world and the darkness of evil and hatred can never overcome this Light of the Word. This theme is highlighted again as Jesus comes to the end of his public ministry:
“Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.” (John 12:44-47).
We are all disciples of Jesus. In our baptism this Light of the World, the Light of Christ, is handed on to each of us or usually our parents with this instruction:
“Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light. May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart.” (Rite for Baptism)
Through our baptism we are invited and challenged to reflect the light of Jesus each day through our words and our actions:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Our light shines when we do “good deeds” and follow in the footsteps of Jesus by welcoming all and showing mercy and compassion to all of God’s people. The Light of Jesus, the Light of the World, has been handed on to each of us. Let your light shine!
Image: “Free candle light fire hands” is marked with CC0 1.0.