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“And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. John 3:19–21

The contrast of light and darkness is a beautiful concept to ponder in prayer. They are not two opposing forces. Darkness is simply the absence of light. In the visual spectrum, darkness does not exist. It is nothingness—no light, no color—making it impossible for our eyes to see. Similarly, within the spiritual realm, the absence of God leaves us spiritually blind. Darkness does not remove our capacity for seeing; rather, our sight is rendered useless without the light that reveals truth and guides our way. In this spiritual darkness, we stumble, unable to discern good from evil or to find the path to holiness. Yet, when we invite the divine light of Christ into our souls, the darkness dissipates and we begin to see clearly, walking confidently in God’s grace and truth.

If you’ve ever been in complete darkness, perhaps at home on a cloudy night when the power goes out, you know that even one small candle is enough to find your way around. So it is with the Light of Christ. Even the faintest presence of grace in our souls enables us to begin to find our way back to God.

Today’s Gospel begins with that familiar passage from John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” This line comes toward the end of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to Jesus at night to converse with Him. Nicodemus was searching.

Perhaps after he heard some of Jesus’ teachings and witnessed His miracles, Nicodemus discovered a small flickering flame of faith within his soul. That flame enabled him to find his way to Jesus that night in search of greater light. At the beginning of their conversation, Jesus gently but firmly challenged Nicodemus to move beyond what his human reason alone could comprehend and to walk with the light of faith.

As Nicodemus listened and conversed, it seems that his mind and heart were opened, which enabled Jesus to teach him and us the beautiful truth found in today’s Gospel. Perhaps as a way of softening His initial challenge, which was meant to help Nicodemus open himself further to the gift of faith, Jesus continued, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). Though God is a perfectly just Judge, Jesus’ earthly mission was to save us from condemnation, to set us free, to flood our souls with the light of truth, and to enable us to see God through faith in this life and face-to-face in the next. As with Nicodemus, Jesus is able to see any flickering flame of faith within our souls. When He sees it, He will engage us, challenge us, and seek to shine His light more fully within us. He wants not only a flickering flame of light but a radiant light. The more clearly we see, the more firmly our feet are on the path to holiness and the quicker we are able to journey to the source of all light—Jesus Himself.

Reflect today on the contrast of light and darkness within your soul. How clearly is your spiritual mind able to perceive all that God wants to reveal to you? If you find yourself lost at times or confused about life, turn to Jesus and beg for light. We must not be among those who prefer “darkness to light.” If the light of the Gospel reveals your sin, do not turn away. Believe that Jesus does not want to condemn you; He wants to free you. He wants you to believe in Him, so that you “might not perish but might have eternal life.” Allow the light to shine brightly within you so that you will find your way to all the treasures God wants to bestow on you.

Lord of pure Light, I want to see all that You want to reveal to me. I want to know You, find my way to You, and follow You with clear spiritual sight. Please dispel all darkness within me so that I will understand You and Your will and serve You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.  

Image: Jesus Christ and Nicodemus by Matthias Stom

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