Becoming light for each other – a reflection on today’s Gospel

The word ‘Light’ is repeated in the first reading, the psalm and the Gospel. Elsewhere, in St John’s Gospel, Jesus tells us ‘I am the light of the world.’ Turning to us, his disciples, He reminds us in today’s Gospel we too are the ‘light of the world.’

Recently, a meeting with a young couple who were clearly letting their light shine for all to see made a deep impression on me. They were ex-heroin addicts who were very happy to be alive and to be together. Even though at the time I was coping with my own darkness, I seemed to have brightened up their day – they asked me to pray with them. They told me part of their touching story and how they came from sheer darkness to the light.  An intercession for Morning Prayer sums this up ‘May the light of Christ shine through us’.  After our short conversation they thanked me immenselyfor speaking to them with respect. I seem to have given them a great sense of their own dignity. The light and happiness shone brightly from them both and brightened my day also.  We parted ways very grateful to have met each other.  As a result of this brief encounter this 5th Sunday’s Gospel took on a new meaning for me and encouraged me to be light for others and allow others to be light for me.