Today's reading from the gospel of John gives us hope and challenge. Often, we get caught up in "doing" in order to gain eternal life. But God offers us the gift of salvation freely, nothing required, no strings attached. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." This is our hope: Jesus welcomes us into the kingdom of God with his arms open and outstretched.
Now for the challenge. We don't always choose to follow Jesus. "And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil." Sometimes we choose to live in the darkness rather than to live in God's light. The challenge is to walk away from the darkness and into the light; to face our sins and reconcile with God, ourselves, and others. When we turn from the darkness of sin, God's light will shine in our lives.
Faith Chat:
Adults: What areas of your life do you keep in darkness? What do you need to let go of in order to more fully embrace the Light of Christ?
Youth/Children: Why do you think it's hard to always tell the truth? What can you do to help yourself tell the truth better?
Faith Response: Gather together as a family or household. Light a candle. Invite each person to say "I'm sorry" for something that they have done or not done. After everyone has said "I'm sorry," tell one another "I forgive you," then pray the Our Father together.
Prayer: Light of the World, help us to allow the light of your love to shine through us. Amen.
