Light of the World

Light has always been essential to man since the beginning of time. Scripture tells us God created light and separated the light from the darkness, calling light "day" and darkness "night." So, it is a gift from God.

Light allows us to see, to work and to play. It was not that long ago that when the sun set, almost all activities stopped. Artificial light allows us to drive our cars at night and to work at night. It allows us to live productively in our world today.

Scripture tells us what Simeon said when he saw Jesus in the temple when he was a baby. He said “my eyes have seen your salvation, … a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."

Jesus is the light of the world. God revealed this to Simeon. He is the light of the world even today. Sometime we can’t see that. Many don’t believe that at all. They say God has abandoned the world. The light has gone out. War, hunger, disease, suffering, homelessness, these all block the light of Christ. It makes it dim or not easily visible. But the light is still there.

We must continually keep that light burning brightly. The candle wick needs to be trimmed regularly. The light may even go out at times and needs to be relit. How do we do that? We do that by experiencing God.

By being together in community, that helps us as we see the light of Christ in all those around us. Together we lift our lights to God as we sing his praise in the church hymns. It happens when we hear the word of God. Then the teaching on the word helps give meaning to what we heard to our lives and the light grows a little brighter. Then we actually receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist. This gives us what we need to keep that light going every day. Finally, we go out with our candles held high to share this light with others. We become like the moon that reflects the light of the sun. We reflect the light of Christ.

Christ is our light and we bring him out to the world. We take him to the soup kitchens, to the thrift store and to people’s homes. We take him to those on the streets and in hostels.

We should bring him also to our homes when you want to spend a little time with the Lord. This light is a symbol of hope. The lighthouse on the shore gives sailors courage that they are almost home. God has a way of sending a signal of light to remind us life is stronger than death. Light is more powerful than darkness. Good will overcome evil.
Bring Christ with you everyday. In this way others can encounter Christ in you.

Deacon John Girolami
Spiritual Advisor SSVP ONRC