JESUS, LIGHT VERSUS DARKNESS
Jesus as the Light of the World
Jesus came into the world as a beacon of light amidst its spiritual darkness, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone” (Isa 9:1; Mt 4:16). Jesus Himself declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12).
While healing a man blind from birth, Jesus emphasized the urgency of His mission: “We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (Jn 9:4-5). Jesus’ public ministry lasted only about three years, and though He continues to give light through His Church, our opportunities to embrace and act upon this light are limited by our lifespan.
Spiritual Light Versus Physical Darkness
Darkness, both physical and spiritual, has been present since the beginning. God, the original source of light, created the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day of creation. Just as children need guidance and protection from their parents, we need spiritual guidance from the Church. Light helps us navigate the right path, and without Jesus and His representatives, we risk falling into spiritual darkness and eternal destruction. Jesus warned, “If a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a pit” (Mt 15:14).
Believers in Jesus who have received His baptism are in the light, which guides them towards eternal life. However, Christians must keep their light burning with the oil of grace received through the sacraments of the Church. Since God is the source of light, those who live in communion with Jesus and His Church are called “children of light.” Jesus used this term in the parable of the dishonest steward (Lk 16:1-8), emphasizing that His followers must reflect God’s light to others.
Jesus taught, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden” (Mt 5:14). Our good works should serve as a guiding light for non-believers, leading them to Jesus, the light of the world (Jn 8:12). Paul advised the Ephesians, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth” (Eph 5:8-9). Similarly, he reminded the Thessalonians, “All of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness” (1 Thes 5:5).
REFLECTION
As Christians, we are called to walk in the light of Jesus and to reflect that light in our daily lives. This means living in righteousness, truth, and goodness, and being a beacon of hope and guidance for others. We must expose the fruitless deeds of darkness in our lives to the cleansing power of the gospel and strive to live in the freedom and liberation that comes from walking with God. By doing so, we not only strengthen our own faith but also help others find their way to the light of Christ.
Let us embrace the light of Jesus, live as children of light, and let our good works shine before others, so that they may see and glorify our Father in heaven (Mt 5:16). By living as true children of light, we fulfill our Christian duty and help others find their way out of darkness into the glorious light of Christ.
Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Christians are called to reflect the light of Jesus in a world that often feels dark. Jesus, like the sun, is the unchanging source of spiritual light and life, guiding us towards truth and salvation. Despite our imperfections, we can still shine with His love, offering hope and guidance to others.