March towards light

Light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. [Ephesians 5:9]

In the fourth week of Lent, the Sunday gospel recounts that Jesus restored sight a person who was blind from birth, and he saw the light. The theme is light, and the opposite of light is darkness. Everyone likes light, needs light, and dislikes darkness. But in today’s society, there are many people who live in darkness, fall into confusion, fall into the abyss, and struggle to survive; their hope is to move towards the light.

A wise man pointed out that “darkness” does not exist, but that people reject “light,” which is the consequence of choice. For example, wars that have existed since ancient times not only cause destruction, but also take lives, deliver grief and sorrow, and bring “darkness.” This “darkness” does not exist, nor should it exist. It is human self-righteousness, focusing on other people’s transgressions, causing pain to the heart, and resorting to force to destroy peace if they want to get rid of them quickly. The result is that each party is angry, hates the other, and takes revenge on the other. As a result, both parties are in constant panic, living in fear like falling into a dark hell. How can we talk about peace? Although man does not love darkness, he rejects light.

Darkness manifests itself in tangible warfare, but also in invisible human relationships. Just like child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence, it is not uncommon. We have seen in the media: girls trapped and slapped; teenagers suspected of being bullied online committing suicide. A girl in Tin Shui Wai also ended her life because of cyber bullying and live-streamed her suicide. Astonishingly, the cyber bullying had lasted for two years. 

When man sins, he destroys his relationship with his heavenly Father, goes into darkness, and turns away from the light. During this period, let us sinners sincerely repent and walk towards the light! We believe in the merciful Heavenly Father, and we always rejoice for the son once lost but now found. Ask God for forgiveness!

People may fall into confusion, become lost, disoriented, helpless… It’s like falling into darkness. A famous artist once experienced very low mood and suffered from depression for many years. Fortunately, he thought of praying and told God about his feelings, so he found the light of Christ and walked towards the light. “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” [John 8:12]. 

In the light, man can recognise his place in the world. Let us also follow the true light in our lives and walk the bright path. “Light produces every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness” [Ephesians 5:9-11)]

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us [John1:14]. God reveals himself to us through his only Son. Then we can receive grace, salvation, and direction for our lives. Live a holy life. Therefore, we should focus on God in our lives and daily acts, and strive to do more good works for the glory of the Lord in order to save souls, to sanctify ourselves, to be the light of the world and to illuminate the world.

“Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” [Matthew 5:16].

Lenten Campaign Organising Committee, 2023