“I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
These words from John’s gospel are similar to what icons are to many people. Their power is experienced more in the beholding and receiving of them than in their telling. Their healing properties are better known than explained. If I were to try to explain them, my attempts may not do them justice.
We have all known dark places in life. But here is a promise that we can hold on to even in the dark. The Light which came into the world and which shines in the heart of every human being cannot be extinguished. Through valleys and shadows, a companionship woos us so that we are not alone. Did you notice a week ago in Sunday’s gospel that the Light of the world healed a man born blind? Christ is the dawn from on high which has broken upon us, shining on all those who have lived in darkness and the shadow of death. Like the pillar and cloud of Exodus, that Light goes before us too. It won’t be long before we celebrate the Easter Vigil by following the Paschal candle into a darkened church singing: “The Light of Christ.” When you carry your little candle, lit from the Paschal candle, you are carrying this promise. This very same Light once said to his disciples: “You are the light of the world.” Following this Light, we can reflect it into our world in ways that bring the Light of life to where it is most needed. May God help us to follow this Light and shine it wherever our footsteps tread.