Daily Thought For May 6, 2020

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The Light of the World


Lectio

 John 12:44–50

Meditatio

 “I came into the world as light.…”

 Today’s Gospel focuses on one of John’s great theme—light! This word has many facets: light is powerful yet gentle, explicit yet mysterious, common yet extraordinary. Jesus identifies himself with light: “I came into the world as light.” This proclamation of Jesus’ mission communicates a powerful truth—the radiance of Christ will deliver us from darkness and enlighten our journey in life.

 I once read that the sun is a giant nuclear fireball radiating energy in all directions. This energy is made visible to the eye as rays of light. We can see everything around us because these rays reflect off objects and into our eyes. If the source of light were obstructed or removed, then the objects would disappear. They wouldn’t cease to exist, but they would disappear from our world of sight. Haven’t we all tripped over or run into something in a dark room?
Now Jesus announces: “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” Jesus is like the fireball, radiating energy in every direction—the energy of light and love that penetrates the heart of every person. When we receive this energy, our lives light up, and we ourselves reflect Christ to others.

 But if we block out the light of Christ or dim it by our indifference, then the true meaning of life disappears. We continue to exist, but in reality we walk in darkness. We are blinded and cannot see the many ways God reveals himself as light in our lives.
Yet even if we block God’s light, he will never cease to diffuse his radiant energy. God invites us to bask in his light. May it penetrate all our actions, and reflect the true light to anyone around us who may still wander in darkness and confusion.

 Oratio

 Jesus, you are the Light of the World. Yet for some reason I block your light and fumble about in semidarkness as I try to understand what is happening around me. Enlighten my intellect, my desires, and my heart with your light, so that I may follow your ways and walk in the brightness of your love. Lord, I believe in your light; help to dissipate my unbelief and restore your brilliance within me.

 Contemplatio

 In your light there is life.
Daughters of Saint Paul. (2011). Easter Grace: Daily Gospel Reflections. (M. G. Dateno & M. L. Trouvé, Eds.) (pp. 62–63). Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media.

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