Tag: darkness versus light

John 8:12: “I Am the Light”
John 8:12: “I Am the Light”

Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025

We have considered Jesus as the Good Shepherd, The Way, the Truth, the Vine to our branches, the resurrection, the Alpha and Omega. Today we understand him as Light.

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NABRE)

We read these words often so that we might remember that Jesus is the Light in a world filled with darkness.

Yeshua spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives life.” (CJB)

We explore these words often so that we might believe that light can convert the deepest darkness.

Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. “I am the light of the world,” he said. “Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.” (GNT)

We examine these words often so that we might share the good news that the darkness will never overcome us.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (NRSV)

We pray these words often so that we might rejoice in the light that banishes the darkness forever.

Again therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying: I am the light of the world: he that followeth me, walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (DRA)

We reflect on these words often so that we might act in our belief that we are also the light that dissolves the darkness.

Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” (MSG)

We live these words often so that we might join Christ as the Light that transforms all darkness to light.

When we compare varying translations of this verse, we believe and act with the Light that is Christ.

Image from: https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/light-in-the-darkness.html
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
June 8, 2025

darkness versus light
2 Chronicles 18:14 – 27: Ignoring Truth
2 Chronicles 18:14 – 27: Ignoring Truth

Monday, May 26, 2025

The Books of Chronicles, Samuel, Kings, Ezra and Nehemiah all record the events of the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Israel from its founding with Saul and David through to the Babylonian Exile. The point on the timeline where we find today’s reading is after the ten northern tribes secede to form the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leaving the two southern tribes to form the remnant Southern Kingdom of Judah with the old capital of Jerusalem. Today’s confrontation between king and prophet takes place just after the division of the kingdom and just before the death of Ahab. The Chronicler writes with a particular emphasis on Yahweh’s fidelity to the faithful – even when the faithful turn away and fall to worshiping idols. The writer wants the people to remember their heritage, to remember that they would be successful as a nation only if they were faithful to the covenant they had with God, and to remember that truth has a way of revealing itself.

Ahab and his wife Jezebel hunt down prophets to exterminate them; they cannot withstand the truth their own seers bring to them. As we recall from our reflection on Naboth’s Vineyard, we know that Ahab and Jezebel use any means to take what is not theirs. They lie, bribe, coerce, plot, scheme, and murder. And with all their attempts to ignore and hide the truth, they end their days in violence that kicks back on them. They suffer the consequences they have wished on others.

It is with a certain amount of irony that we hear Ahab say, “When you speak to me in the name of the Lord, tell the truth! How many times do I have to tell you that?” Ahab and Jezebel lie, believing they can bend reality to their will. They scheme, believing they control the universe. They bribe and suborn, believing they hold ultimate power.

King pits himself against Prophet – Ahab versus Micaiah – deceit in competition with light – damnation against resurrection. We remind ourselves that when we turn away from a truth we do not want to hear, we take our first step onto a path of sure destruction. If we twist and spin truth to fit our perspective, we walk away from the very lesson that will bring us redemption, union, and happiness.

This is the lesson of the prophets, that when we ignore truth, we only postpone the lessons we come to this world to learn. When we avoid truth, we refuse to walk the way of resurrection and light.

Adapted from thoughts recorded on February 25, 2007.

Image from: https://couplesinstitutecounseling.com/six-steps-to-telling-the-truth/

Reprise the story of Naboth’s Vineyard by entering the words into the blog search bar and explore.
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
May 26, 2025

Ahab, darkness versus light, Jezebel, Micaiah, Naboth
Psalms 35 – 37: Seek Justice
Psalms 35 – 37: Seek Justice

Monday, October 21, 2024

A Favorite from November 12, 2009.

Yesterday we reflected on the value of seeking wisdom in times of trial. Today we focus on seeking justice in times of injustice and these three psalms serve as a kind of trilogy of prayer. I am struck by the titles of these songs in English first and then in Spanish.

35 – An Appeal for Help against Injustice, I am Your Salvation

36 – Human Weakness and Divine Goodness, By Your Light we see Light

37 – Fate of the Wicked and reward of the Righteous, The Humble Shall Inherit the Earth

We are lead from naming injustice, through seeking God in order that we see what is good about our situation, to arrive at the result of God’s way of being. In God’s world, the wicked suffer consequences for their descent into darkness and secrecy while the faithful are rewarded for their perseverance and patience. When we feel pummeled by life we might want to turn to these three prayers and give them our full focus.

Rescue me from these ravening beasts; preserve my precious life from these lions.

If we can identify the wicked ways of others then we know when and where to step cautiously.

Do not allow my treacherous enemies to gloat over me; do not permit those who hate me without reason to wink their eyes at me.

Humans fear that the darkness will encompass them; yet we have been promised the light.

Sin speaks to the wicked one in the heart; . . . there is no fear of God. He deludes himself with the idea that his guilt will not be discovered and hated.

In the end, nothing remains hidden. Those who engage in darkness forget that the light will reveal all.

Oh Lord, your kindness extends to the heavens; your faithfulness to the skies . . . With you is the fountain of life, and by your light we see light.

We must appeal to God to show us how to find strength through our kindness.

Do not fume because of evildoers or envy those who do wrong. They will wither quickly like the grass and fade away like the green herb. Put your trust in the Lord and do good . . .

Sinking to the level of the wicked only makes the darkness more intense and brings it closer.

In a short while, the wicked will be no more; no matter how diligently you search, you will not be able to find him.

We must not allow our anxieties and preoccupations to close in on us. Seek God in order to find stillness and quiet.

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy an abundance of peace.

We must be meek as Jesus is meek, humble as The Lamb is humble.

Two words struck me from today’s closing prayer at Mass which I will carry with me for awhile: Courage and Peace. If we have these two, we have all. This Psalm Trilogy today is a roadmap for our exodus out of fear and our arrival at promised serenity. We must have Courage in our God, for this is where we find a small pocket or a tiny island of tranquility . . . even amidst the trials and darkness that we suffer because of the wicked. When we find ourselves in pain at the hand of evil, we must take courage and seek justice in order to arrive at peace.

Image from: https://x.com/poeticeintl/status/683065105601445892?prefetchTimestamp=1728830608855
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
October 21, 2024

courage and peace, darkness versus light, humility, kindness, strength
Ezekiel 43: God’s Glory Returns
Ezekiel 43: God’s Glory Returns

National Geographic: Ruins of Roman Archway in Tyre, Lebanon

Friday, May 24, 2024

As a counterbalance to the description of the downfall of Tyre on which we have reflected before, today we have a description of the temple in the New Jerusalem. What we see described here is God living with all of the Israelites forever. The man leading the prophet through this beautiful scenario says: Describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them consider the plan, and if they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple – its arrangements, its exits and entrances – its whole design and all its regulations and laws. Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations. This portion of Ezekiel’s prophecy is full of detailed descriptions of the place and the people who make up this new city where God dwells forever with his people. It was meant to both instruct and to bring comfort to those who lived in exile with this prophet. The footnotes in the NAB point out that in the new Israel the temple is free, even physically, from civil jurisdiction – moving away from the habit of corrupt kings like Ahaz and Manasseh who treated it as a private chapel for pagan rites.

Noam Chen: Old City of Jerusalem

When Jesus arrived on the scene hundreds of years later as the true Messiah, he upset much of this separatist and purist thinking. It was for his openness and universality that he was hunted down, condemned and put to death. Because his new Law of Love fulfilled and superseded the old Law of Moses, he and his apostles were hounded out of towns and executed. Even in the early Christian church we see the struggle with this idea of openness and universality with the first Council which convened in Jerusalem to determine the importance of circumcision as a requirement for church membership. After discussion, and when the dust settles, we read in Acts that circumcision was not determined necessary. God’s church is open to Gentile and Jew, slave or free, woman or man – to all those who will be faithful to the Covenant first established with Adam and Eve.

This is how we see the New Temple and the New Jerusalem as revealed by Ezekiel millennia ago. This place of worship where God dwells is where we live even today, if we might only choose to open our eyes and ears to it. This prophet was painting a picture of radiance for his exiled people, and they must have taken heart at the memories these words stirred of how it is to gather together as Yahweh’s faithful to repent, to petition, to give thanks, to worship.

As Easter people who believe in the Resurrected Jesus, we too, can relax into these images and make them our own. We can carry them into the world with us each day as we encounter and then counter the darkness that wishes to prevail. We can arm ourselves with these pictures of the universal gathering of all of God’s People, the Faithful to the Covenant, the Hopeful in all things hopeless, the Truthful in all relationships, the Struggling with the cares of this world, the Freed who have escaped the chains of doubt and anxiety. For we are Easter people who live the Resurrection even now. For God’s Glory has returned in us in our willingness to serve, our willingness to be vulnerable, our willingness to witness, our willingness to be Christ and Light and Truth to a world struggling to be free of the darkness.

This is God’s Plan. This is God’s Design. This is God’s Law.

Amen. Alleluia!

A Favorite from April 13, 2008.

For a Noontime reflection on Tyre, enter the word in the blog search bar and explore.

For more National Geographic images of Lebanon, click on the image above or visit: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/lebanon-photos#/archway-roman-ruins-tyre-lebanon
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
May 24, 2024

Ahaz, covenant, darkness versus light, Easter People, God’s plan, hope, Law of Love, Manasseh, New Temple, resurrected Christ, The Temple, truth, Tyre
Leviticus & Matthew: Do Not
Leviticus & Matthew: Do Not

Monday, March 18, 2024

Do not abandon, do not cut, do not steal, or cheat or lie, do not hold back, do not bear, do not take, or curse or go. Do not, do not, do not. In the Old Testament, we hear litanies of what we ought not do. There are positive commandments woven throughout Leviticus – Love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord, (see Leviticus 19:1-18) – but the majority of God’s commandments are negative warnings. The Old Testament God gives us a dark image of our relationship with God. Jesus brings a light to this darkness as the incarnation of God’s Word.

Matthew records Jesus’ words: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

We continue our Lenten journey and know that as Jesus grew in the Jewish tradition, he moves away from the negative and toward the positive. We might follow this example today as we reflect on our social, religious and political leaders who present their images of the world to us.

Do they – and do we – focus on the darkness? Or do they – and do we – focus on the light? And what does Jesus call us to do in response?

When we use the scripture links today to compare varying translations of these verses, we begin to find answers to these questions.

Images from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_lamp and https://www.pinterest.com/lynnsrabbithole/040-matthew/
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
March 18, 2024

darkness versus light, Leviticus 19:1-18, Matthew 22:36-40
Matthew 5:13-16: Salt and Light – A Reprise
Matthew 5:13-16: Salt and Light – A Reprise

Pope Francis

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Jesus tells us that we must be salt for the earth, adding flavor, bringing joy; and we are to share this salt of our faith with others.

Jesus tells us that we must be light for the world, slicing through the darkness, bringing hope; and we are to shine this light on the margins and into the corners.

To hear Pope Francis’ words on how we might be both salt and light, visit Vatican Radio at: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/06/07/pope_on_how_to_be_salt_of_the_earth_and_light_of_the_world/1235417

Image from: https://www.wsj.com/articles/pope-francis-church-must-find-ways-of-welcoming-divorced-catholics-gays-1417978277
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
February 21, 2024

darkness versus light, faith, hope, joy, Pope Francis
Isaiah 58:7-10: A Prayer for Dissenters
Isaiah 58:7-10: A Prayer for Dissenters

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Isaiah’s words might be spoken to one who teaches the very young.

Share your food . . .

Isaiah’s words might be heard in a meeting of those who sponsor refugees.

Open your home . . .

Isaiah’s words might be spoken in a classroom where tomorrow’s adults are formed.

Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear . . .

Isaiah’s words might be heard in a workshop offered on how to embody scripture.

Do not refuse to help your own relatives . . .

Isaiah’s words might be brought to life by anyone who hopes to incarnate The Word, to follow The Word, to live, breathe and be The Word among us.

Put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt . . .

Isaiah’s words might be spoken on a picket line.

Put an end to every evil word . . .

Isaiah’s words are a rubric to measure our actions, a template to codify life, a handbook for those who yearn to walk in the land of the living.

If you satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon.

And so we pray with Isaiah.

Good, and holy and generous God, guide us as we struggle with our fears of darkness and evil. Direct us as we look for the best way to become your Word. Remain with us as we gather in dissent against the tactics of bullies who hope to divide us. Walk with us as we navigate the thin line between resistance and violence. Abide with us in our struggle for clarity, compassion and peace. For we wish to do your will. We wish to be light to the world. We wish to bring hope to the marginalized. We wish to be the eyes and ears, the voice and heart, the hands and feet of Christ for you. We ask this in Jesus’ name, together with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When we compare varying versions of these words, we find patience, clarity, and the beginnings of peace for a troubled heart.

For ten lessons history teaches us about leadership with exemplars like Mahatma Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln, click on the image of the clasped hands, or visit: http://www.andysowards.com/blog/2016/10-lessons-history-teaches-us-about-leadership/

Images from: http://socio.ch/journals/culture.htm and https://www.123rf.com/photo_17320284_abstract-word-cloud-for-understanding-with-related-tags-and-terms.html and http://www.andysowards.com/blog/2016/10-lessons-history-teaches-us-about-leadership/
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
February 18, 2024

bullying, clarity, compassion, darkness versus light, dissent, evil, peace
Ezra 6:18-22: Marvels – Part I, A Reprise
Ezra 6:18-22: Marvels – Part I, A Reprise

Depiction of the Second Temple

Thursday, November 16, 2023

A Favorite from October 27, 2009.

It must have seemed unreal to the Israelites – after praying for years – to not only return to Jerusalem but also to receive safe passage and assistance from the dynasty which had first overtaken them and then carried them into exile. The people who had been in darkness were finally seeing a light; the tears they had sown in mourning were about to be harvested in joy. The dream expressed in Psalm 126 – the response in today’s liturgy – was finally arriving in full force: The Lord has done marvels for us . . . Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing . . . The Lord has done marvels for us . . . Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves . . . The Lord has done marvels for us.

In these days when our national and international environment tells us a variety of stories of men who con society, who offer bold-faced lies in an effort to cover their devious tracks, or who commit crimes in the open when expressing innocence, we might connect with Ezra’s words. He reports that the Emperor Darius searched records looking for the promise made earlier that Jerusalem will be rebuilt and celebrated. Knowing that all that is precious that can be discovered and revived, we will easily proclaim: The Lord has done marvels for us.

In an era when the innocent cry 0ut to be heard, the marginalized ask for a seat at the table, and those who suffer at the hands of autocrats struggle to breath freely, we might take Ezra’s prophecy to heart. Returning from exile, they uncovered old haunts along familiar streets and byways. Admitting their culpability and celebrating their survival , the survivors of Jerusalem’s devastation can announce: The Lord has done marvels for us.

Where do we see ourselves in this story? How do we respond to this truth? When do we come forward to likewise declare: The Lord has done marvels for us.

Tomorrow, the crowd rejoices.

For more about Ezra and the second Temple, click on the image above or visit: http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/References/OT/Historical/Ezra/Ezra00Intro.html
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
November 16, 2023

darkness versus light, pride, Psalm 126, rich and poor, Wall Street
Isaiah 10: Social Injustice
Isaiah 10: Social Injustice

Friday, June 9, 2023

Isaiah 10 is book-ended by words that we hear so often during the Advent season: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light . . . But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from this root a bud shall blossom. These words remind us that someone is coming great enough to take all of us in and indeed, this one is already among us. Today’s Noontime reminds us of what pulls us away from God and it draws clear imagery with Assyria and Sennacherib as vehicles not only of pain and loss, but ultimate transformation if we but follow the Light, the Christ. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light . . . But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from this root a bud shall blossom.

Isaiah tells us clearly that when we trust the Lord we need not tremble before overwhelming odds. If we move out of the darkness to stand in the light and obey the voice within, we have nothing to fear. Do not fear the Assyrian, though he strikes you with a rod, and raises his staff against you.

Isaiah reminds us that though we are small, we are also mighty when we place our fear where it is best handled, in God’s capable hands. The tall of stature are felled, and the lofty ones brought low; the forest thickets are felled with the axe.

Isaiah repeats a theme often heard with the prophets: those who can remain faithful through the holocaust will be standing when all others have blown away like chaff in the wind. The remnant of Israel, the survivors of the house of Jacob, will no more lean upon him who struck them; but they will lean upon the Lord . . . a remnant will return . . . only a remnant will return.

Allowing injustice to happen without speaking or witnessing is the broad path taken by many; but it is not the marrow path taken by the remnant. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:3 and Luke 13:24, most of us will succumb to a system that allows injustice for many the sake of the comfort of a few. This remnant that remains in God will have to bend before the force of the storm, but all of this bending will be worthwhile. This is the message that Isaiah brings to us: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light . . . But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from this root a bud shall blossom.

Image from: http://fromemptyhands.blogspot.com/2012/12/shoot.html

A Favorite from June 10, 2009.
Share this:
X
Facebook
Email
Print
More
Reddit
Pinterest
Pocket
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Like Loading…
June 9, 2023

Assyria, chaff, Christ as light, darkness versus light, fidelity, Luke 13:24, Matthew 7:3, remnant, Sennacherib, transformation