Tuesday, March 31

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
—John 8: 12

Once when I was in Ireland, taking an early morning walk through gentle mist, the sun broke through in an instant, as it sometimes does on the Emerald Isle. The light shining onto the palette of greens was so intense, so pure, so alluring that I have never forgotten how it looked. At any moment, I can close my eyes and be transported to that spot along the southwest coast where I stood and saw the colors so clearly.

But how many times do we stand in cloudy situations and miss the light? Sometimes we are exhausted from work or preoccupied with the stock market or worried about a loved one. In those places, the clouds seem to circle around, and we are not aware of God’s light.

But when we pay attention, when we take notice, the light breaks through. Even in the darkest of situations, family and friends surround us with grace and mercy when we least expect it, just like the Irish sun piercing the darkness. God finds ways to illumine our pathway when we don’t see possibilities; relying upon God’s presence is the beginning of true life.

As we approach the end of Lent, consider the clouds in your life. Write down those things that take you away from the light of God and prevent you from seeing Christ’s light of the world. Take these last days to consider what needs resurrecting in your life, and, bringing them with you into Holy Week, be prepared for a new morn when the sun shines through and all becomes illumined.

God of light, you shine upon me when life seems dark. Open my eyes to the brightness of your love. Help me give to you the clouds and shadows that bring darkness, that in your mercy you may resurrect my hope this Easter. Amen.