“Being the Light of the World”

Today is the 4^th Sunday in Lent, Laetare Sunday – the one day in the midst of our penitential season that calls us to rejoice and be glad.  But truth be told, most of us can’t find much to rejoice and be glad about, given what is going on around us right now.  And at first glance, today’s readings might not be so helpful either, with their focus on darkness and blindness.  But they also speak about light and sight.  Seeing the light. Being the light. And shining the light.  These are important themes as we head into the most solemn and sacred time in our liturgical year.  And they are also important for the times we are living in today.  Clearly, the world needs a little light right now.

Because let’s face it.  It is an understatement to say we are living in dark times in our country and even in our Christian church.  As the saying goes: these are the times that try people’s souls.  

Worst yet, some people try to justify all of this darkness by reference to Jesus, Scripture, and our Christian faith. They proclaim a vision of Jesus as one who shines his favor on the rich and powerful; who supports authoritarians who use their power to persecute immigrants, deny access to food and healthcare for children, seniors and those who are vulnerable; a Jesus who blesses leaders who violate the rights of citizens and try to divide people on the basis of skin color, ethnicity, gender and economic status.  Some people today, including some Catholics, elevate the power of the state over the dignity of every person while invoking the name of Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  

Sometimes it feels like our country and our Christian faith are out of control, and there is nothing we or anyone can do about it.  It seems like we are submerged in darkness, and we can’t see our way to the other side.

But today’s readings suggest a different perspective – they paint a different picture, that points us in another direction so that we can clearly see that there is hope for a brighter day.  There is still Good News in our community.  And being reminded of that, gives us the courage we need to not only emerge from this dark place into the light, but also to see a new way of living together, a path that leads us forward toward becoming the Beloved Community, which is the vision of God for all creation.    

In Psalm 23, we hear the familiar words that describe what it is like to dwell in the company of the Good Shepherd who cares for all of our needs. Who protects us and leads us out of the dark valleys we encounter. Who assures us that no matter the challenges on the journey, the light of God’s love will overcome all, and we will dwell together in that light forever.  

In the Gospel reading we have the illuminating story of the man born blind. Jesus said to the disciples: “I am the Light of the World” and immediately He shares that light by curing the man’s blindness and opening the eyes of his soul. Jesus cured the man not just to give him physical sight but also to reveal the love and mercy of the One Who sent him and to demonstrate a new kind of community where those who are vulnerable are valued and included.  

Jesus’ healing touch allowed the man to clearly see the realities of the world around him, including the hypocrisy of the religious authorities.  The gift of his sight also restored his place in society.  No longer was he a person on the periphery – unacceptable in the eyes of the synagogue society of the time.  Jesus brought the light of Love and Justice to the situation.

On the other hand, the Pharisees were willingly blind to the in-breaking of the Reign of God on earth, and the role Jesus had in bringing it about.  The man born blind was physically blind, but he was open to a new way of living and being – open to the possibility of the Beloved community.  And he had no problem publicly testifying to what he had experienced with and through Jesus.  

Although the Gospel doesn’t say, one has to assume that he continued to spread the ‘Good News’ about Jesus to anyone who would listen, opening their eyes and hearts to accept the light of God’s love, mercy, and justice.  

My friends, darkness abounds in our country and sadly, in our Christian Church.  But the Jesus of the Gospels, tells us that there is a way out.  He tells us we can see the light; we can dare to live in the light; that we can, and we must be the light for others.  

Amid growing fear in our nation—fueled by a political climate that threatens truth-tellers and targets those who are vulnerable, Scripture tells us we need not be afraid. For we are called to proclaim the truth – the truth that we are all created in the image and likeness of God.  That we all have inherent dignity.  And that when one of us suffers, we all suffer.

Now, living as the light of the world isn’t’ easy. It means not only rejecting the ‘works of darkness’ but also calling them out so that everyone can see them for what they are.  It means honoring the dignity of every person; loving our neighbors as ourselves, no exceptions; living in solidarity and justice with one another and living out the Beatitudes that bring about the ‘reign of God on earth.’

Living as the light of the world requires prayer, carrying out the corporal works of mercy and working for social justice. This could mean joining a protest in your neighborhood, writing a letter or making a phone call to your Congress person; starting a discussion in your parish about Catholic Social Teaching; or just sharing the truth about our faith and current events with your family and friends.  This is what it means to be the light in the darkness of our country right now.

We must let our little light shine. Like Renee Nicole Good, like Alex Pretti, like the folks in Minnesota who braved freezing cold temperatures to register their protest against the cruel and immoral treatment of their neighbors.  Like so many others around the country who have also shown up to defend and protect our freedoms and rights.

And, as Christians, we must also defend the true values of our Christian faith. Like the over 400 Christian leaders who have just signed a public statement giving witness to the authentic Gospel of Jesus Christ.

My friends, this is what it means to ‘live as children of the light’, today.  Indeed, to be the light of the world, today.  And this is also our way out of the darkness.

Because every time we witness to the truth in whatever way we can,
every time we act in friendship, love, and solidarity with our neighbors,
a ray of the light of the Reign of God pierces the darkness.  
And as more of us show up for the Gospel, these rays of light grow.  
And before we know it, the darkness of hate, lies and division is shattered.
And God’s vision for creation – the Beloved Community -- reveals itself, becomes real, and surrounds us.  
And the light of truth sets us all free!  
Now, that is certainly a reason to rejoice and be glad!

Amen.