St John uses a lot of symbolism in his Gospel. One such symbol, somehow instinctively understandable to the reader, is the light. Jesus called Himself “the light of the world” (John 8:12). In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus – a Pharisee who is struck by Christ’s deeds and miracles performed during the first Passover in the evangelical account. A long and theologically rich talk by Jesus contains repeatable references to light. How should we understand them?
First of all, Jesus says that the light has come to the world. Certainly, he speaks about Himself. Interestingly, the men who prefer darkness stand in this position because “their deeds are evil.” Evil acts must be judged based on some external to the act reference. Jesus, speaking of evil deeds as a prerequisite of men’s refusal of the light, makes it clear that the refusal to follow Him often comes from the lack of adherence to a particular moral norm. When we think about the Church’s moral teaching, we can understand that many people refuse to participate in the active Christian life because of their unreadiness to change their lifestyle in the areas seen by the Church as immoral and sinful. Jesus, speaking about those who avoid the light “for fear that his actions should be exposed,” seems to talk about so many people of our times as well. The individualistic approach to life in our society promotes feeling free to do whatever one pleases, with an emphasis on feeling comfortable and happy in his or her life regardless. That is why various groups of influence become triggered to very aggressive reactions when the representatives of the Church remind that particular acts are evil or disordered. Individualistic morality sometimes ends up in life tragedies.
Standing in the light of Christ does not allow us to be at peace with every single action possible. His light enlightens and exposes good and evil, which is why conversion or the purification stage of spiritual life might be so painful. Lent is the time when the Church invites us to take the risk of putting ourselves in the light of Christ. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving can serve us to live “by truth.” Strengthening our relationship with God, helping our neighbours, and giving up ourselves and our pleasures help us see reality more through God’s lens of love than our lens of personal desires. May this Lent be the time to choose the way of the light that will make us see the truth about ourselves.
Łukasz Gołąb – Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Sydney, Australia.
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