Daily Reflection Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Jesus announces “I am the light of the world.” The “light” was a well-known symbol for the Jewish people. According to Father Francis Moloney, S.D.B., in his excellent commentary, The Gospel of John, the Temple was considered to be the light of Jerusalem. The Torah was the light for the world in Jewish wisdom tradition. And the rabbis spoke of the Law as a lamp. Note that each of these three can be seen with the eyes. But when Jesus claims to be the light of the world, what does one see?



The Pharisees, who challenged Jesus’ authority, will accept only what they can measure, see, touch and control – as Jesus says, what they “judge according to the flesh.” This way of thinking is a kind of materialism when we accept only that which can be verified through observation or logical reasoning. There is another way of knowing – a spiritual knowing – that goes beyond physical appearances or rational thought. It is the way we know God or the way we know we are in love.



Jesus assures the Pharisees that he has not come to judge anyone. However, since he is the light of the world who reveals the Father, those who follow him “will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Judgment will be determined by whether or not one accepts the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. [233]