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May 5, 2004, Wednesday, Fourth Week of Easter

Jesus said: “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me, but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” (Jn 12:44-50)

[John’s Gospel has 21 chapters. Today’s passage – the ending of the 12th chapter – concludes the public ministry of Jesus. The Last Supper begins with the 13th chapter, and continues for five chapters.]

Throughout John’s Gospel, there is the theme of light and darkness – an easily understandable symbol for goodness and evil.

Jesus says that people must choose between light or darkness. It is not pre-determined. It is a choice. If they choose light (goodness), then in their lives they reflect the light of Jesus. If they choose darkness (evil), they reflect the prince of darkness. When Judas and his companions come at night to arrest Jesus, John notes that they have “lanterns and torches.” They had rejected the “light of the world” and needed artificial light.

I wonder how different today (or tomorrow) would be if, in every situation, I consciously took two seconds to ask myself: “How can I be light, not darkness?”

Just asking that might make a big difference. Try it.

Spend some time with the Risen Lord.