Live Lent – Week 3 – Light

This week is an opportunity to reflect on the light that Jesus brings to your life and your situation –
and on the opportunities and responsibilities we might have as light-bearers.

Read: John 8:12–20

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.’ This is the second of Jesus’ stunning self-descriptions, the ‘I am’ sayings. Massive claims, but not overblown self-importance. Rather these seven sayings are Jesus’ invitation to see him, to come to him and to find life in him.

In that light, we see ourselves, we see others and we see the world differently. In that light we know ourselves and we know him, and we find the darkness is banished. John tells us that Jesus came into the world as a light shining into darkness. That light, he says, is the life that is in all people.

Yet it was a light that was recognised and welcomed by only a few.

As Light of the World, Jesus reveals blindness in the hearts and lives of those he meets. But Jesus’ light also brings the liberation of seeing ourselves, and others, as we truly are. More than anything, the light of Jesus helps us see as God sees, with love and compassion and with hope.

Come, see, receive.

As we come to Jesus. As we spend time with him, listening to his words and walking his way. So we begin to see more clearly, for he is light.

Pause

How might the light of Christ shine more brightly in and through your life? What can you do today to enable that to happen?

Pray

Light of the World,
Shine gently into our hearts
and help us see clearly what you would show us there.
Enlighten dark corners,
make us your partners in bringing truth and justice.
Guide our feet and guard our integrity,
for your glory and praise,
Amen.

Challenge

Go into a church or chapel and light a candle to remember and give thanks for someone who has been a ‘light’ in your life. Reflect prayerfully on how you might be a ‘light’ for someone else.