Run to the Light

There was a study of the healing power of light in which it was discovered that patients who were positioned near windows healed faster than patients away from natural sources of light. What is true about light in our physical health is also true in our spiritual health.

The Lord said to his disciples: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.”

John 3.16-21

It wasn’t long ago when we carefully ‘brough the Light’ from Pascha to bless our home. It isn’t empty tradition but real faith that enters our homes with the Light of Pascha. The Power of the Resurrected Christ and His never-fading Light overpowers the darkness in our lives.

The problem with light, though, is that it also reveals our sins. Many refused to accept Christ because they loved the darkness, “because their deeds were evil.” It seemed easier to remain in darkness and sin rather than leaving sin behind and coming into the Light. It wasn’t.

Darkness leads to infection and decay. Light leads to healing and life. One thing I have noticed about our society in recent years is that sin has come out into the open. What used to be kept in the darkness is now openly displayed for all to see.

Serious illness sometimes requires painful healing procedures. This is our current social situation. Sin has come out of the darkness and been revealed. Sin cannot exist in the Light. Either the sin must stop, or it must return to the darkness. This is our current social struggle.

The sad reality is that many would rather remain in the darkness of sin than repent in the Light. What was true two thousand years ago is still true today. The response of the early Church was good then, and it is good now. They ran to the Light, and so must we.

The early Church was made up of sinners who came into the Light for healing and repentance. They chose Life over decay, and we must do the same. It will mean our willingness to be estranged from some and cling to others. That was true for the early Church, and it is today.

One thing I know. If we are going to Live A New Life In Christ, we must run to the Light for healing. We must be willing to ‘do the hard work’ of repentance for our spiritual healing. Sometimes our sin must be surgically removed so we can begin healing.

The ‘hard work’ of repentance is prayer, fasting, taking care of the poor and a vibrant sacramental life in the Church. Living in communion with God cannot take place in the darkness. Keep the Paschal Light shining in our home and in your life, and you will heal.