Light of the World

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.” Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. John 8:12-20

Today is sunny, bright and cold. The first day of spring has happened but the weather isn't cooperating very well. Something happens t me this time of the year, as spring ever so slowly warms the earth and the snow finally melts. Although the snow hasn't melted yet, I start to think about gardening, planting, looking at seed catalogs and dreaming of what we will grow this year. It has something to do with the light. As the earth turns again towards the sun, I am changed, moved somehow by the gift of more light.

Jesus is teaching in the temple and truly pushing the envelope. The people who are listening to him are some friends and some enemies. He speaks boldly of his authority and his relationship to God. He is the light of the world, the needed balm after so much cold, exclusive religious behavior. The time had not come for his arrest, but he knew in his being that the time was coming. His world had turned enough for him to be bold and fierce. We are invited today to be bold and fierce in our love for others and for the world. The earth has turned and darkness can descend all too easily.

Today I ask God to help me set aside judgement and love boldly. May we be aware of the season we are living in and carry the light of Christ to a world that seems to be ever dimming.