Light of the World
by Fr.Gus Carter
12/11/05

The first reading of Midnight Mass on Christmas begins, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." There are many ways in which we walk in darkness. I have heard individuals say that some of their co-workers seem not to know that they exist. These are persons so intent on getting ahead in their jobs that they pay attention only to those who can help advance their careers. Some times even family members seem unaware of those with whom they live. The Old Testament speaks of a God who is hidden. They believed that humans, seeing God, would be so overwhelmed by the glory of God that they would not be able to function. The Lord mercifully remains hidden for our sake during our life time. We know that we ourselves can go for a considerable time without thinking of our Creator and Sustainer. We can live for long periods in spiritual darkness. To expose ourselves to Jesus light we must read and reflect in some way upon the Gospel. Jesus illuminates the spiritual realities of human existence.

Our faith tells us that God is everywhere, first, keeping us in existence, then, sustaining all creation so that we can remain alive. We believe that each person or thing expresses God's love for us in some way. Jesus is the light who assures us of God's presence and care at all times. Christ illuminates the importance of each person. He reveals all the spiritual realities that can go so easily missed. He shows us how human life should be lived, what is important to ourselves and to others. Jesus whole life sheds light on the meaning of existence and shows us how to live according to the divine plan. Everything Jesus says or does intends to make us more aware of the spiritual dimension of life.

Some parents have expressed to me how selfish babies can seem. They want what they want now. They do not tolerate delays as screams get more intense. We realize at times that our little child is still with us. Jesus seeks our transformation from persons who think only of themselves to those who become blessings for all whom they meet. This becomes possible through our sharing in divine life. Above all Jesus opens our minds and hearts to the indwelling Spirit, the power and presence of divine love in us and surrounding us.

The only way love of neighbor can be enacted is if it is empowered by God's love. We need a sense of depending on God as the source and energy of whatever good we are able to do. The story of original sin tells us that we fail God because we want to do things our way. The importance of reflecting on Jesus' life is because this kind of prayer enables us to act as Jesus acted. It gives us confidence that the Lord does give us the grace to live a divine love life. We could say that we have mental tapes that play within us. These often interfere with our being loving persons. We have been wounded in our lives by the behavior of others. We are afraid that others will take advantage of us. In numerous ways we are told that we must look out for ourselves, even that helping others is foolish and a waste of time. We live in an atmosphere that encourages us to think only of "now" and what is physically present as important in life. We must become aware of the blocks in our experience that make it hard for us to love others. Reflecting on Jesus words and actions challenges faulty ways of thinking about life. He enlightens us that there is another and more peaceful way to live. With his help we can overcome our inner obstacles to living a life of love.

Most of us have met or been taught by or someone whose personality affected us much more by who they were than by what they said. Some have named this kind of meeting a personal event. Our whole person has been affected by this kind meeting. In this light reading and reflecting on the Gospel is not just about learning. It is a personal event in which our personalities are shaped and our hearts are enriched because we realize that we are in Jesus' presence. No matter where our minds and hearts are, Jesus works in our souls to shape us as persons after his own loving heart. What an outstanding opportunity we Christians have. We have a special way of talking intimately with our God.