Most people today live in cities, that are illuminated 24 hours a day. Many have no real sense of what true darkness is like. Thus, we might fail to understand the full implications of what Jesus is saying when he declares himself to be ‘the light of the world’ (John 8:12).

I heard a story once about an early cave explorer who explored the Jenolan cave system in New South Wales. It was before the days of modern, battery-powered torches, so this exploration was done by the rather more temperamental and limited light of candles. On one occasion, the explorer, somewhat unwisely, ventured into the cave system alone. As he navigated his way through the sometimes narrow confines, carefully avoiding the many pits and holes in the cave floor, which plummeted to unknown depths, his candle went out. Reaching into his pocket to grab a match, he was horrified to find it empty. There, in complete and utter darkness, he was totally trapped. Unable to move or find his way, he could do nothing else but wait and hope against hope that someone would come looking for him, bringing the ‘light of life’. Such light did indeed come, carried by some friends who had noticed him missing and put two and two together.

Put yourself in his situation; imagine what it would have been like waiting in that pitch darkness. Imagine the joy and relief that would have washed over him as his friends arrived, bringing the light of salvation with them.

Jesus is the light of the world. In his presence, we can see clearly and orientate ourselves on life’s journey. Without him, we are trapped in the darkness of sin and error. Rejoice, brothers and sisters, for saving light has come to our rescue.

by Fr Michael Grace