Our Epistle left us with the contrast that exists between darkness and light.
Easter is a celebration of this light that triumphs over the darkness. We especially see this played out at the Easter Vigil Mass. This Mass begins in complete darkness for we have been thrust into it through the Lord’s Crucifixion and have been lifted out of it through His Resurrection. Therefore, from the darkness of night comes forth a flame which dispels the darkness from our midst. This flame spreads throughout the Church as we come to welcome the Resurrected Lord into our life.
Saint John’s Gospel testifies to this, “I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” As Saint Paul also states in 2nd Corinthians, “God who said ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts.”
Lent is time of preparation in order that we may always be found prepared to encounter this great light. Through baptism the light of faith begins to shine brightly for sin has been washed away, we have been claimed for Christ, and have been incorporated into the life of the Church. Where temptation and sin creep into our life we must look outward towards the grace and mercy of God in order that we may turn away from it’s grasp.
Satan is indeed powerful , but he is nothing more then a creature. God alone is the Creator and cannot create. Therefore, in our Gospel we see Christ who casts him out. It is always light which dispels the darkness. So too when we elevate our sight towards this great light the darkness can and will be dispelled from our midst. Satan and the powers of darkness attempt extinguish the presence of God from our life, but instead we cannot allow fear and sin to turn us away from the light. No matter the temptation or struggle that we endure we must remember that the light of Christ always remains for those who so desire it.
Let us reflect today upon the ways in which we can invite this light to enter into our life. This light enters into our life through the sacraments, through the study of Sacred Scripture, through the study of the faith, and through prayer. Hopefully we are allowing Lent to assist us in this task for very soon we will rejoice at the Good News of the Lord’s Resurrection. May we be found prepared for such a wondrous event.
The Lord our God truly dispels the darkness from our midst. Let us come to know, trust, and stay in the light of the Lord.
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