One of my favorite parts of the morning is the dawn. Watching the sun slowly appear over the eastern mountains is an awesome sight. It’s beautiful to see the various shades of yellow, orange and red slowly taking shape and ushering in a new day and pushing back the darkness of the night.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn. 1:5) Like the dawn, the light of Christ dispels the darkness, pushes it back, and reveals the majesty, beauty and love of the Most Holy Trinity. This light is not for a chosen few, but is for everyone. It is a light that radiates the glory of Heaven and the love God has for the world. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
Each baptized Catholic is called to be a bearer/channel of this light. As Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men…” (Mt. 5:14,16) Christ needs each one of us to share His Light with others, by following his commandments, especially to love God and neighbor, while listening to His Bride the Church. By being channels of His Light we will push back the darkness of sin and evil and become “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.” (Rom. 12:1)
This heavenly light that permeates the world and is the focal point of the Easter season, can never be manufactured or produced, but is a free gift from the “Father of Light.” Like an icon that captures the depths of light radiating the holiness of the person or Biblical event depicted, any man or woman whose heart is filled with the Light of Christ will also radiate holiness.
When I reflect upon the life of Pope John Paul II, I see a man who was filled with the Light of Christ, and because of it, produced remarkable fruit for the Kingdom. How many people, who were of other faiths or beliefs, recognized his love for them and all the good works he initiated? Because of this, many hearts were turned toward Heaven and many people could be heard giving glory to God.
The light that radiated from John Paul II bears witness to its beauty and power. It attracts those trapped in sin, it warms those bitten by the coldness of evil and nurtures those stunted by spiritual darkness. Where the Light of Christ is, there you will find Christ Himself.
I encourage all of you during this Easter season, which ends on Pentecost Sunday, to reflect on the theme of Light and how each one of us is called to be channels of that light, instruments of love and people of holiness. I also encourage you to pray daily to the Holy Spirit who will gladly answer your prayer and fill you with the Light of Christ.
Happy Easter!
God bless.