JOHN 8:12-20
As we move towards Holy Week there is a sense of growing tension in our Gospel texts. Jesus’ actions are being watched very closely and every word of his teaching is being scrutinised. Vigorous debate and cross questioning were an important part of the faith world of Jesus. It’s easy to forget this when we see him being confronted in the Temple. Jesus often replies in ways that must have been shocking to his hearers. To declare himself the light of the world is the boldest of claims.
I am the LIGHT of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in the dark;
he will have the light of LIFE.
We see this quotation on posters and prayer cards and we sing it in our hymns. It comforts us. But does it challenge us too? What would it mean for us to really follow Christ? What would it mean for us to have the light of life? What would it mean for us to have all that we do and say flooded with Christ’s light?
At baptism our parents and godparents stood around the font holding candles which had been lit from the Paschal candle. They put their hope in Christ who is our light. They pledged that you and I would always walk in that light.
Light a candle today and thank God for the blessings you received at Baptism.