Jesus spoke to them again, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.” (Jn 8:12)
It seems amazing that people would choose the darkness of sin over the light of Christ.
It seems amazing when we analyze that thought with our minds.
However, we do not often live with our minds. We live with our emotions.
And our emotions often choose things that are contrary to what we know to be the best for us.
Our emotions often reach out into risky territory.
Our emotions often lead us to embrace sin.
Jesus is the light of the world. He has shown us a way of life that is far superior to the ways of the world.
For our part, we need to live in that light, lest we give ourselves over, completely, to the darkness of sin and death.
At Mass today, the first reading presents to us the story of Susanna and the two judges. The two judges had so embraced the darkness of sin that they tried to force Susanna to sin. When she refused to do so, they tried to bring her to court to have her put to death. Their plot backfired when Daniel came to her rescue and showed to the people how their judges had abandoned the light and embraced the darkness. The judges ended up being put to death: the sentence that they tried to impose on Susanna.
Giving ourselves over to the darkness of sin can lead to embracing sin — and death — for eternity. Avoid the dark. Strive to live in the light.
FAITH ACTION: If we are children of the light, our deeds will reflect that reality. Do good today.