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 

Loving Creator you made fire

to light up our small spaces

placing stars to illumine the heavens

and placing the spark in our hearts.

The people have been sorely tested

the light of joy nearly faded out

isolation and death marked our doors

yet you promise the return of light.

You were tested in the holy places

in the market and even at home

and your promise of life restored

love and reconciliation were condemned.

Help us be bearers of your light today

set us on fire for love and service

make us bring hope to the hopeless

spreading your love light far and wide. Amen.