Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 7, 2025

Monday of the 5th Week of Lent

Scripture Text: John 8:12-20

Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life."

So, the Pharisees said to him, "You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified." Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgement is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me."

So, they said to him, "Where is your father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also." He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today features Jesus identifying Himself as “the light of the world” dispelling darkness. But the Pharisees objected to Jesus’ statement and demanded that his statement be verified by the testimony of another. Jesus countered their rejection by focusing on His relationship with the Father who sent Him.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How does Christ illuminate the world? My world? My mind, heart and soul? Is there a darkness in my life that I should open to Christ and His light?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Redeemer, You are “the light of the world”. With You, in You and through You, we have the light of life. Send your Spirit to fully and wholly open us to You and your illuminating light. Grant that we may walk in your light and, as your followers, be a light so that others may come to know the all-loving Father. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.