Reflecting light (to the sources)

 ‘… he came only as a witness to the light’ (John 1:8)

John 1:6-28 (Year B: Advent 3)

If you pass some older churches at night you may notice that they are sometimes lit up from inside. The light shines out throw stain glassed windows. However, it is hard to tell from the outside what these figures in the windows mean.  Houses and buildings lit up in this way at night time have an attraction. We are inclined to pass by the places that are in darkness. Nobody is in. Light signals warmth, life, company and protection. Darkness is isolating, threatening.

In this passage John tells the listeners that the Baptist was not the light but rather a witness to the light. We are invited to share in that light and reflect it onto a world overshadowed by darkness. Sometimes those around us have no other light to walk by. It may even come to pass that our gentle presence and concern at a vital moment can – literally – save a life.

#tothesources