The Light of the World

Today's Reflections

 

The Light of the World 

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Jn 8:12-20

¹²Jesus spoke to [the people] again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ¹³So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” ¹⁴Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. ¹⁵You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. ¹⁶And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. ¹⁷Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. ¹⁸I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” ¹⁹So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” ²⁰He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection:

I am the light of the world. On the first night of the feast of Tabernacles, there is a ritual of lighting four candlesticks in the Court of the Women in the Temple. The giant candlesticks have golden bowls on top where wicks are afloat. When these are lit, the whole city of Jerusalem seems to reflect the light.

It is on this occasion that Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.” The ceremony of light is spectacular, but the candlelight dispels only natural darkness. Jesus, however, is the divine light that enlightens the human race and overcomes the power of the evil one (cf Jn 1:4-5). The light of God shines through him and irradiates human existence, giving everyone knowledge of the purpose and meaning of light.

It is far better to light one little candle

than to curse the darkness.