I came into the world as light,
so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. (Jn 12:46)
At the Vigil Mass of Easter, we blessed the Paschal Candle with the new fire of Easter. After it was blessed and lit, it was processed into the church. Fire was taken from the candle and distributed to all the congregation. With tapers lit, they heard the priest chant “Christ, Our Light!” Their response, “Thanks be to God!” reverberated throughout the church.
Christ is our light. He is the light in the darkness of this world, a world steeped in sin and death. The power of Christ defeated death and the light of Christ scatters the darkness of sin — if only we decide to live in the light.
Therein lies the rub. As people who have been given free will, we can choose to remain in the darkness of sin and death rather than in the light of Christ which can and will lead us to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Faith, then, is critical. Faith in Jesus can cast keep the dark from entering our lives. Faith can keep us on the track. Faith can lead us home.
Jesus came into our world as light so that we would not have to fear the dark. Cast away the darkness of sin and death, allow the light of Christ to shine in your heart and soul. Be an Easter people!
FAITH ACTION: Be strong in the faith today. It may not bring you an immediate reward; but, it will bring the Lord to a world that so desperately needs Him.