Called from Darkness into Light

Friends,

Lent is a beautiful time carved out, in the wisdom of the church, for each of us to pause, look at where we are and where we are being called to transform. Today’s readings and imagery of darkness and light provide a perspective on this spiritual dynamic of transformation.

Though Abram is so faithful God promises his descendants to be as numerous as the stars. Still Abram has some doubts and needs assurances of the Promised Land. In the darkness of his sacrifice and prayer, God lights a fire to affirm His covenant. Today’s responsorial psalm is so clear - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation. As we are called to wait for the Lord to call us to himself, we wait and prepare our souls for him.

In our second reading, St Paul is reminding us to surround ourselves with people of the light. We need to surround ourselves with people who strive for Jesus’ presence in their lives. The Transfiguration account in Luke’s Gospel also has imagery of brilliant light amidst the darkness. Peter and the other disciples are frightened until God reveals that Jesus is the one to follow.
We are called to examine where we may be living in the darkness. We may find that we are too focused on temporary comforts or earthly successes, which can lead us away from the true light of Christ. Just as the people Paul describes are enslaved to their desires, we may sometimes be enslaved to habits or attachments that dim our spiritual vision.

But there is good news. Paul speaks of the hope and transformation that awaits us. He contrasts the “earthly” mindset with the “heavenly” citizenship: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This shift from darkness to light begins when we set our hearts and minds on the heavenly things—the things that are eternal and grounded in Christ.

As we move through the Lenten season, we are invited to step out of the darkness of sin and into the light of Christ. This journey requires repentance and renewal. It asks us to examine the parts of our lives that need the healing touch of Christ’s light. And it calls us to live as citizens of heaven, with our hearts fixed on the eternal and our actions reflecting the light of Christ in the world.

Where in your life do you see the shadow of darkness, the pull of earthly desires or attachments? How can you, through prayer, fasting, and reflection, shift your focus from the things of this world to the heavenly prize Christ offers? As you walk this Lenten journey, remember that Christ’s light is powerful enough to lead you out of the darkness into a life of joy, peace, and eternal hope. 

The refrain of Christopher Walker’s hymn Out of Darkness beautifully expresses God’s desire for us this Lenten season:
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Out of darkness, God has called us,
Claimed by Christ as God’s own people,
Holy nation, royal priesthood,
Walking in God’s marv’lous light.


Blessings on the journey,

Deacon Joe and Kim Torti

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