Never Walk in Darkness
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer:
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 8:12-30 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Meditatio (Meditation)
Today, we encounter Jesus talking to a large crowd, after extending grace to a woman caught in adultery. Those who dropped their stones and left have returned, perplexed by this radical display of love. It is in this moment that Jesus speaks about a light that brings hope to the darkness in our world, and at times, inside our hearts. He proclaims Himself as the light of the world that offers not just illumination, but transformation, clarity, and direction.
We have all experienced light shining through darkness. It could be a streetlight that helps us to see, a flashlight while we are camping in the darkness of the woods, or even our headlights on a late-night drive. Light is bright, it helps us to see, it brings clarity in the chaos of darkness. That is who Jesus is. He brings order to the chaos of the busy world that surrounds us. He provides hope and is a brightness that we can cling too. Jesus invites us into a life of surrender, where His light penetrates every corner of our being, exposing our flaws and guiding us toward wholeness.
Take a moment to reflect on the words you have read. In the chaos and confusion of the world, Jesus stands as a beacon of truth and hope. He is the light that dispels the darkness, offering clarity and direction to all who follow Him. As you meditate on His words, ponder the significance of allowing His light to penetrate every aspect of your being.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
Amid our modern comforts and distractions, it's easy to overlook the profound hope that Jesus brings. We become accustomed to the status quo, our hearts settling into a rhythm of complacency as we navigate the familiar pathways of life. But in our pursuit of comfort, we risk losing sight of the transformative power of Christ's light. We never realize how much we need light until we don’t have it. Indeed, for many, the darkness becomes the norm. We stumble through life, blinded by our own pursuits and desires, unaware of the depth of our need for true illumination. Yet, it's precisely in these moments of darkness that the light of Jesus shines most brilliantly.
Take a moment to thank God for the gift of His Son, who brings light into our lives. Confess any areas where you've allowed darkness to take hold and ask for His forgiveness and guidance. Surrender yourself to His leading, trusting that His light will guide you on the path of righteousness.
Actio (Action)
Often, we look for Jesus when things are hard and when we feel like we’ve done everything we can. What if today we looked for the light that He provides in the everyday moments of our life. He provides the solid framework that puts everything else in our life into order. He gives purpose and meaning behind the joy-filled moments and the challenging ones that leave us desperate to experience Him. By living differently, we are, in essence, flipping the switch. Orienting our lives around Christ's love allows His light to break through everything we touch. We become a beacon of hope and humility in an age of doubt and pride. We serve as a lantern that illuminates a path toward a better way. We light a lamp that ignites others to consider the cross.
Take a moment to consider your current circumstances. In the good and the bad, where do you see His light shining? Are you looking for Him in all circumstances or just the ones you can’t figure out on your own? Ponder how you can you illuminate Christ amid whatever you might be facing.
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Grant me the grace to follow Him faithfully, allowing His light to illuminate every corner of my life. Help me to surrender to His guidance, trusting in His love and leading me into the fullness of life found only in Him. Amen.