LIGHT THAT LIBERATES
The theme for our meditation today is: Light that Liberates. The prophet Jeremiah's call to the Israelites in Babylonian exile was like the light sparkling in the midst of darkness. That light should be God Himself, who changed the heart of the Persian king Cyrus to let the Israelites return to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of God. God Himself came to pick up His beloved people to return to their ancestral homeland. This light was truly liberating.
Jesus also used the element of light as one of the key words to describe the contents of the kingdom of God. People of all generations regard light as one of the basic necessities in life. The Jews defined "light" as the beauty, truth, and goodness of God. The psalm says: In His light we see light (36,9) and His Word is the light that guides our steps (119, 105).
God reveals Himself as the light which is His own nature and existence. The light in the creation story distinguishes itself from the darkness. The beginning of John's Gospel states that God who is the light who came into the world to free the world from the darkness of sin. Light is surely the main opponent of darkness and blindness, so that whoever receives the light may walk in truth and goodness. God's Word is the light for our lives.
This light does not stop by dispelling the darkness of sin. But then it becomes the essence of spiritual life that constitutes a life of joy, peace, optimism and solidarity. Jesus displayed a description of a burning lamp to illustrate how His followers should live in the light of His truth and love. The light of Christ illuminates our hearts and enables us to see the true reality of God's kingdom.
Jesus reminds us that nothing remains hidden and in secret. We may hide anything from others, ourselves, and from God, and no matter how clever we try to keep it a secret, God already knows everything. Because He is omniscient and He controls everyone's life. So, there is no other way to protect ourselves or make ourselves safe and free, except to surrender completely to God. We don't need to try to avoid and hide from God. It is only by being open and surrendering to Him that we become free persons and live in His grace. Let us ask Saint Andrew Kim Taegon to pray for us for this intention.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord God almighty, may love always compel us to share Your word with each other in all situations of our lives. Bless us today with Your protection. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you... In the name of the Father...