When I was a child, I was afraid of the dark. My siblings would scare me by telling horror stories when the night comes. Oftentimes, I would run to my parents shaking in fear. My parents became my protectors, the source of my courage and confidence.

When I grew up, I learned what the darkness holds and what light is capable of. Darkness limits our actions and we become imprisoned. Thus, it usually frightens me from making any movement because my actions could go wrong. But when there is light, I could see everything. I could see that there is nothing to be scared of. Under such light, we can clearly see the truth and the joy around us.

The pandemic has brought darkness to all of us. Many lost their jobs. Many plans were temporarily suspended and even canceled. Our lives are at a greater risk because of the virus. We are constrained with fear. But this pandemic also invites us to move forward and overcome this darkness. We are reminded of the extraordinary life that lies ahead of us, that is why we have to search for the light. We need to have the courage to turn on the light in order to see everything. With this light comes hope, peace, truth, and an incredible life filled with Christ which we could never have if we keep on living in the dark.

Without Jesus, we too, are in the dark. Jesus came into the world as light so that everyone who believes in Him might not remain in darkness. The Gospel reminds me of my capacity to become a light to other people and accompany them to the One True Light: Jesus Christ. If today we find ourselves to be stumbling, all we have to do is remember to turn on the light – Jesus is our light.

By: Sem. Roldan B. Baliano

Today’s Gospel

Jn 12:44-50

Jesus cried out and said,
“Whoever believes in me believes not only in me
but also in the one who sent me,
and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.
I came into the world as light,
so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.
And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them,
I do not condemn him,
for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.
Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words
has something to judge him: the word that I spoke,
it will condemn him on the last day,
because I did not speak on my own,
but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.
And I know that his commandment is eternal life.
So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”