3rd Wednesday (March 11). The light of the world

Prepare to Listen.  The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
 
Prayerfully Read John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
 
Prayerfully Wonder
The Pharisees were discovering that “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”  They didn’t like it; preferred the familiarity of their darkness.  They concluded that Jesus wasn’t their Messiah (end of ch. 7).  Jesus’ claim, “I am the light of the world,” was a challenge they vehemently opposed.
 
John’s Gospel begins with an emphasis on light.  The Word “was the light of all people,” that “shines in the darkness” which can’t overpower it (1:4-5).  But it’s not until the Festival of Booths that Jesus claims to be this light.  It was a festival with light.  Large, bright lamps were lit as the Jews remembered God’s guidance in the dark wilderness through the pillar of light.  It’s probable that Jesus was standing near those bright lamps when he claimed to be the light of the world, the one who now leads will lead us through our dark wildernesses.
 
Light is also how the Jews described God’s Word.  The psalmist prayed, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105).  Light reveals, dispelling the darkness.  Meditating on God’s Word is our light to reveal the way in the darkness of the world.  The point is to look, not at the light, but at what the light reveals.  Jesus, the light came to reveal God.  We will know God only through following Jesus.  The darkness will disappear and we’ll be able to discern truth from lies.  And truth is always less popular than lies because more challenging.  Following the light, means seeing the darkness in the old, familiar ways, letting it go in order to embrace the new and unfamiliarity of the light.
 
How willing are you to let go the old and choose the light of Jesus and his new way?
 
Prayerfully Respond
Lord, in your light, we see more clearly.  Help me keep choosing the light, even when it’s unpopular and difficult.  Amen.
 
Live obediently.  Choose the light.