If we find ourselves outside at sunset and the sky is clear, we can remember how light surprises. As shadows lengthen and the sun dips below the horizon, we can sense the gradual retreat of daylight. Soon, twilight advances and dusk gives way to approaching darkness. This daily transition opens the night sky to our vision. Gradually the stars begin to appear through the blue-gray haze of late evening. The dark of night invites the stars to reveal themselves. More and more, they sparkle in the night sky. They are always there, but visible now only in the darkness. These celestial beacons keep watch through the night, ever vigilant and faithful.
Holy Week begins in several days with Palm Sunday when we remember Jesus’ celebrative entrance into Jerusalem. There is some darkness in Holy Week. For us who believe, there is light in the darkness.
Themes of light and darkness appear in the Gospels; we think of light for faith, darkness for disbelief.
On one occasion, a religious leader came to question Jesus. The dialogue happened at night. “But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.” (John 3:21)
Later in the Gospel of John, Jesus told his listeners, “…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
As Jesus was crucified, Mark’s Gospel tells us, “At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.” (Mark 15:33)
Holy Week offers us the opportunity to recommit to faith in Jesus, faith that lights our lives. We live in His light; faith empowers us to serve each other as Jesus came to serve (Mark 10:45). Even in the dark times that our world is now enduring, we know that light overcomes darkness.
The nighttime stars can remind us that darkness does not prevail. God is always present to us. His light is within us. Jesus assures us – we are light. We who believe reflect His light to the world. “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14a)
There are stars among us. They radiate God’s glory. They are the people in our families, workplace, neighborhood, faith community, world, who throughout our lives have been points of light for us. Like mariners who used the stars to navigate the seas, these people we love and admire have helped us find ourselves and chart a course in life. We are drawn to them because of their faith, joy, and goodness – their holiness. Sometimes they come along in our darkest moments. They are the face, the consolation of the Risen Lord for us.
Family activity suggestion:
- Create a poster or collage representing the people who are points of light in our lives.
- Create a piece of art using crayon, marker, paint, or whatever media is available to show how faith gives light to your life.
Please tell us about someone special who has been a point of light for you and why. We will remember them in our daily prayers.