Third Week in Lent (3)
John 8: 12-20
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the
light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.” 13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are,
appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered,
“Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I
came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where
I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But
if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the
Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two
witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is
the Father, who sent me.” 19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You
do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my
Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near
the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour
had not yet come.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the
light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.” John 8:12
When we started reflecting on the readings for today, we
were surprised to find this one. Why? Well, Lent always seems, honestly, a bit dark
and dreary. There’s a lot of focus on dust and death and sacrifice. But here,
right in the midst of it, we have this beautiful statement from Jesus, that we
need not “walk in darkness.” There is a light at the end of the tunnel, so to
speak. It is one of only seven “I am” statements Jesus makes. We hear it often
and it is a favourite, especially with Jay.
It seems that light is on our minds a lot lately. We
frequently mention how nice it is to wake up to sunshine, and that the light is
lasting longer into the evening. It comes with a hopeful feeling. Springtime
and new calves will both arrive soon. We have a new bounce in our step. Any
cold snaps or snow storms that happen in the coming weeks won’t feel as long or
grueling as the ones that have passed. Easter will also come, with its bright
colours and thoughts of eggs and new life.
But it is still Lent. We have this season to pass through first.
So, what does the “light of the world” have to show us during Lent? Maybe a few things about ourselves that we do not want to see. Maybe at this point, the light shines not only to offer hope, or illuminate our path, but also to expose things that we would prefer to keep hidden. These parts of ourselves are more easily concealed when it is dark. Reflecting on Lent, former Episcopal priest, Barbara Brown Taylor says:
In the presence of his integrity, our own pretense is exposed. In the presence of his constancy, our cowardice is brought to light. In the presence of his fierce love for God and for us, our own hardness of heart is revealed…He is the light of the world…Today, while he dies, do not turn away. Make yourself look in the mirror. Today no one gets away without being shamed by his beauty. Today no one flees without being bared by his light.
This Lent, while the days grow long, and the promise of new
life is all around us, let us first take the time to shine the light inward.
Let us be bared to Him. Our anger and resentment and bitterness and sin must be
brought to light if we are truly to never walk in darkness again. Let us
allow the light in, so it can overcome our darkness. Then, and only then, can
He, the light of life, truly shine for us and through us.