Word to the Wise
Monday, April 4, 2022 - 5th Week of Lent - Mon
[Dan 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62 and John 8:12-20]"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." [John]
Two prominent characteristics of the Gospel According to John are contrast (e.g. light/darkness, blindness/sight, above/below) and Jesus' use of "I AM" statements. Both these features appear in chapter 8, from which today's gospel scripture is taken. The statement quoted above comes near the beginning (after the story of the woman caught in adultery). Jesus says "I AM the light of the world." (We can think also of others: I AM the good shepherd, the way, the truth and the life, the vine, the resurrection and the life, etc. etc.) In chapter 8 (I recommend reading it all today), the I AM statements come to a climax when Jesus says, "Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM!" Jesus identifies himself with the voice from the burning bush which reveals God's true identity: I AM!
Although the season of Lent is traditionally seen as a time of repentance and sacrifice, the purpose of these practices is to focus our attention away from self-absorption and toward the person of Jesus and his journey to Jerusalem and the events of Holy Week. He is the One whom God has sent. He is moving toward the completion of his mission, which he will pass on to us after his resurrection: "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you!"
It is undoubtedly a challenge to tear ourselves away from the many daily cares of life to focus on Jesus and his mission in these last two weeks of Lent, but the rewards are deep. He is the light in our darkness. Can we move toward it and follow it? AMEN