Day 15

Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” John 12:35-36 (From the Gospel of the Bridegroom Service on Holy Tuesday Evening)

 

This scripture verse has always held much meaning for me. The contrast of light and dark is something that we can all understand. For me, Holy Week typifies this contrast more than at any other time in the Church. As we walk the Passion of Christ in Holy Week, we experience that “bright sadness” of the knowledge of Christ’s betrayal and death and the surety of His Resurrection.

As I read this scripture and today’s reflection, I thought about daylight savings time. I have to admit…I really don’t like daylight savings times. Yes, it’s nice to gain an hour of sleep in the fall, but we lose that hour in the spring.

But Daylight savings time does do one thing for me, it reminds of Christ. How? Because it helps us to realize how much more we enjoy the daylight as opposed to the darkness. In the dead of winter when the sun sets near 5pm, the days seem so short and bleak. The darkness can be depressing. But once we lose that hour of sleep and the days start get longer and longer, there is a joy and a happiness that follows.

In the middle of the summer when the sun rises early and doesn’t set until almost 9pm, there is so much promise in the day, so much that we can accomplish. It is the same with Christ. When He is part of our lives, there is so much promise to it, so much which can be accomplished. Christ brings light, eternal light to our lives. When we walk in His light, we know where we are going. And when we walk in His light, we keep that darkness at bay.

Think for a moment about a completely dark room…no window, no cracks for light to get in. It is so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Across the room, in a corner, a small candle is lit. Immediately, the darkness begins to be pushed back. Immediately, we start to be able to see. This is the power of Christ. He lights the darkness of our lives. When we walk in His light, we not only push the darkness out of our lives, but also of those around us.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

In Christ

Fr. David