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.”

John 8: 12-18

Here are the complete readings for Monday, April 7, 2025.

(“The Light of the World” by William Holman Hunt)

One of the great gifts in my life are the long lasting friendships with people I’ve known since I was young. What I have found about friendships that have stood the test of time is that over the years both parties recognize the core goodness of the person that made us friends in the first place. Yet just as important is the awareness and acceptance that our friends have changed over the years. They are not as predictable and may disappoint us because their interests and priorities have changed. Can we lean into the mystery within these people whom we love and whose company they enjoy rather than lament how things aren’t the same as in the good old days? In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the image of light to show the inherent connection between God and humans, which God never severs despite human rebellion. Jesus reminds his adversaries that God loves relationships because the very nature of God is relational. Jesus has a relationship with God, and Jesus is God. This is a great mystery, but mystery begets intimacy to those who surrender to it. The men Jesus confronts are trying to confine or limit the reach of God’s power to reclaim those of us who are lost, which is not possible. Like new encounters with old friends, we can find that God can still surprise and delight us.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ,
you are called to follow in His footsteps
and minister God’s healing touch of love,
through word and deed,
to all whom you meet
in your journey of life. You have responded to the invitation:
Come follow me.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, you illuminate and clarify my thoughts. Thank you for sharing what joy and happiness can be like, even in difficult and painful moments on our life journey. Help us be light for our sisters and brothers who feel abandoned. Give us the courage to shine light on injustice in our world that is often hidden beneath the surface. May we have enough discomfort to share your light and your mercy with those whom we do not know or with whom we disagree. Help us all recognize the inner light which is our shared humanity.

Amen