Light is an important theme in the Bible. In Genesis Chapter 1 we read that God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light. Jesus declared himself to be the light of the world and said that those who are his disciples are also lights in the world. In our second reading today, St Paul declares “For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ [at creation] who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God…” (2 Corinthians 4: 6).
In what way can we be light in the world?
The physicists among you will know that light is electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye. It is a form of energy which itself is invisible! We only know that light is present when it hits something which reflects it. Think about being in a dark theatre which shines a spotlight on the stage. We are only aware of the light in the theatre if there are dust or smoke particles present in the air that the light bounces off. If no particles are present, we cannot see the beam.
Just as we can’t see wind, but we can see what wind does, so we cannot see light, but we can see what light illuminates. We cannot see the light of Christ, but we can see how that light illuminates people or the situation that they are in. As the sun radiates light, so we are called to radiate the light of Christ to those around us. Such spiritual light shines with the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4: 6). It reflects love, joy, peace, harmony, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1: 5), because darkness is the absence of light. Where there is light, there cannot be darkness.
Grace and peace to you all,
Chris