Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. (John 12:47)
When you think of someone being condemned, what image comes to mind? A courtroom with a judge hammering his gavel? A stern jury? A pointing finger?
How about a flashlight? If you were trying to hide something, a flashlight would be very good for exposing whatever you were doing. You’d shrink back from it because it condemns you. If you were lost in the woods in the darkness, the flashlight would light the way back to the path, and you’d see its shining beam as your freedom.
Jesus said he came into the world as light. He came to shine his word and his truth into our hearts. But just like the flashlight, Jesus’ light can elicit different reactions, depending on our disposition. If we are open to him and trying to follow him, his light can bring us warmth and insight. It can illuminate our path, correct our missteps, and bring us closer to the salvation we are longing for. But if we are opposed to him, that very same light can feel cold and embarrassing. We might scramble to stay hidden from the light, only showing by our actions that we are rejecting Jesus. In both cases, it’s our own relationship to the Lord and his truth that either saves us or condemns us.
What is one of the best ways to experience the warmth of Jesus’ light? In the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Far from being a means of condemning us, Reconciliation is the perfect way to let the light of Christ probe and illuminate our hearts. Will there be areas that you don’t want to bring into the light? Probably. But remember, he didn’t come to condemn—only to save. So even when he brings your sin to light, remember that his light shines only to heal and restore, not to judge and dismiss.
So let the light shine on you today! Let Jesus’ word pierce your heart and illuminate every corner of your life. Trust that he’s not out to get you. He wants to help you. He wants to save you and reunite you to himself. Let him draw you home.
“Lord Jesus, help me not to shrink from your light. I believe you came not to condemn me, but to save me!”
Acts 12:24–13:5; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Daily Marriage Tip for April 29, 2015:
Have a home date tonight or this weekend. If you have kids, put them to bed early. Dinner can be simple but might include candlelight, soft music, wine or chocolate. After dinner, light more candles, look through your wedding album, play, and reminisce.