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 judgement 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.’ John 8:12-19

Although we have passed the absolute shortest day of winter, it still seems we are shrouded in darkness and pain. None of us can witness the shooting death of a mother and not feel the darkness deepen with fear and anger surrounding all. This is not a moment of light but of deep darkness trying to swallow us all. Jesus was born into a very violent world. The streets he knew were filled with the soldiers of the occupying government. Noone had freedom because some had all the power. We are invited to reach deep today for the light of the world, to shine however brightly we can, and be those who free others and stand with those suffering in these dark times.

Wondrous Creator, you brought us your light

when the world had turned dark and violent

you gave us a child, the prince of peace.

Darkness and cruelty have taken our streets

our neighbors are called aliens and criminals

and we watch as the world continues to dim.

Set us on fire again for love and light alone

let us proclaim your love with trembling voices

so the world might look to the Light once more. Amen.