Jesus tells us in the Gospels He is the light of the world. In our Catholic faith, we believe that without Christ, there would be nothing but darkness and chaos. Looking around at the world today, it would seem there are many problems. And without the love of God, the more darkness and chaos there seems to be: in the soul, in the family, in the country, in the battle the Church endures, and in the whole world. The antidote for darkness is light. We find God’s light in His Word.
The Word of God
Jesus encourages us to be blessed in His light by living our lives in His Word.
“…Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it.” Luke 11:28
Really, the only thing to be discussed in this post is how Sacred Scripture and Jesus Himself proclaim to us that God is light. When we take in His light (the Word, sacraments, prayer, fellowship, etc.) we ourselves are illuminated by His light.
“No one who lights a lamp hides it away or places it under a bushel basket, but on a lampstand so that those who enter might see the light. Luke 11:33
The Light of the Family
While growing up, we would go to my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve for dinner, presents, and family fellowship together. My grandmother would put an illuminated candle for Christmas decoration in the window by the front door where we walked in to the greetings of family, joy, hospitality, and love. We could see the light of the candle while driving to their house. It was a joyous site to see every year.
“Our lighted candles are a sign of the Divine splendor of the One who comes to expel the dark shadows of evil and to make the whole universe radiant with the brilliance of His eternal light. Our candles also show how bright our souls should be when we go to meet Christ.” – St. Sophronius
In the darkness of a cold winter’s night, it was if the candle proclaimed to the world:
“There is love in this house!” There is warmth in this house! There is hospitality in this house! There is family in this house! You are welcome in this house!”
The Light of the Church
The light of the family candle is the same light Christ proclaims about the Church:
“There is love in my Father’s house!” There is warmth in my Father’s house! There is hospitality in my Father’s house! You are family in my Father’s house! You are welcome in my Father’s house!”
The light of the candle that illuminates the Church is the presence of Christ in the Tabernacle. It is Christ in the reading of the Word. It is the priests and parishioners who believe in God and who faithfully receive Him in the Word and the Sacraments.
The Light of the Saints
The more we receive the Word in our lives, the more we are illuminated by His Word.
“That brilliant lamp which was lit for the sake of salvation should always shine in us.” – St. Chromatius
The Light of Religious Orders
If you observe the men and women of religious orders living out their vocations, they have a certain light about them. Christ shines through them. It is God’s light that exemplifies holiness from the Word, from prayers, and from the sacraments.
The Light of Parishes
Light is also noticeable at the parish level. A few years ago, we mailed rosary books to parishes in all 50 states. It did not matter what state it was, when you looked at those people on their parish websites, they looked to be at peace. This is the light of Christ working in them and through them. They are the light of Christ in a fallen world.
The Light of Christ and the Love of His Word.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. John 3:16
This image of Jesus suffering on the cross proclaims the light of his Divine love for us.
Holy Reading from the Bible
There is reading and there is Holy Reading. These ten verses from Sacred Scripture will help give us assurance of how good reading the Word is for our souls.
God’s light cannot be contained. When you absorb the Word within you, it becomes part of you. We are disciples of Christ. We are called by Christ to shine forth His light.
1. The Lord Brightens the Darkness.
For you, LORD, give light to my lamp; my God brightens my darkness. Psalms 18:29
2. The Lord is My Light and My Salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? Psalms 27:1
3. In God’s Light We See Light.
For with You is the fountain of life, and in Your light we see light. Psalms 36:10
4. God’s Light and Fidelity are Our Guide.
Send Your light and Your fidelity, that they may be my guide; Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place of your dwelling, Psalms 43:3
5. God’s Word is a Light for Our Path
Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path. Psalms 119:105
6. The Teaching of God’s Word is a Light.
For the command is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and a way to life are the reproofs that discipline. Proverbs 6:23
7. The Word of God is a Consuming Fire.
The Light of Israel will become a fire, the Holy One, a flame, that burns and consumes its briers and its thorns in a single day. Isaiah 10:17
8. The Word Leads Us into Christ’s Light.
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy! though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD is my light. Micah 7:8
9. God’s Light Dispels the Darkness
While He kept His lamp shining above my head, and by His light I walked through darkness; Job 29:3
10. The Word of God Illuminates Us.
If your whole body is full of light, and no part of it is in darkness, then it will be as full of light as a lamp illuminating you with its brightness.” Luke 11:36
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39