Jn 8:12-20
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.
You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.”
Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Wait Upon Christ’s Light to Lead
Teaching in the Temple Court the morning after the Feast of Tabernacles while situated below ceremonial lampstands still ablaze, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Pharisees are portrayed as taking issue with the legal validity of Jesus’ declaration. I am taken aback by the boldness of its content.
What would it be like to “never walk in darkness?” In a world scarred by war, wounded by disregard for human dignity, infected with viruses and prejudgments, just what kind of promise is Jesus making here? So much depends on whoever actually “follows.” Too often I get out ahead of Jesus, failing to await his grace and interior guidance.
What would the world look like if we were practiced at discerning spirits and patient enough to wait upon Christ’s light of life to lead?
—Patricia Feder serves as the administrator of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality for the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province.
Prayer
Patient, Loving God, you show us the way to eternal life by suspending judgment and continually inviting us to follow you. Please grant us the grace to discern the light of true life, and the patient confidence to entrust the lead to you. Amen.
—Patricia Feder