Year A: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Second Reading: Ephesians 5: 8-14

Today’s Reading picks up on the theme of dark and light introduced in the Gospel. Jesus is the light of the world and disperses the darkness of the world. He enlightens our minds and our souls and transforms us into children of the light.

It is true that, in general, the things that are done in secret are the things we would be most ashamed of if they were discovered. It was a popular tradition in Victorian homes to have a picture of an eye with the words “God watching me” - as a warning that, though what was done might be out of human view, it could never be out of God’s. As a method of behaviour management, it was probably very effective!

What St Paul goes on to say, though, is that, if we have the courage to expose the things of darkness and secrecy, they lose their power and become illuminated by the light. Often, people carry a “dark secret” for years - something they have done - or something done to them. When they are finally able to disclose it to someone else, they often find that the release is far greater than they could have expected. It may take a long time for the healing to be complete - but somehow, having things out in the open means that they lose some of their hold over a person’s soul.

The Christian life is sometimes seen as a growth in transparency as we allow more and more of our being to be filled with the light of Christ. This light goes into the dark places in our souls and transforms them.

As the layers of our consciousness become filled with light, so our outward appearance changes. People may not be aware of the change - but it is brought about by the light within shining through us into the world.

Some people, it is true, will be afraid of that light - and of what they think it enables us to see. Others, though will be drawn to it - and ask us to share it with them... as St Matthew said in his Gospel a few of weeks ago - letting our light shine will help people to recognise and give praise to God.

Light and life are very closely interwoven - the dawn heralds a new day - a new creation. So the light of Christ flowing into our souls brings with it life - life that brings us to full wakefulness - that raises us from the dead.

 What does it mean for me?

When have you experienced the light of Christ entering the dark places of your being? How did it happen - and what were its effects?

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