What is the darkness . . . ?

"I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness." - Jesus (John 12:46)

Dear Friends in Christ -

Clearly, this promise that we won't remain in darkness has nothing to do with the weather! It seems like we haven't seen the light, the s-U-n in WEEKS!

What kind of darkness IS Jesus talking about here?

Certainly, the darkness in our lives isn't lack of information; there's more of that to be had than we can process.

Certainly, the darkness in our lives isn't lack of basic necessities; we all have a roof over our heads and most of us would actually be a bit better off for skipping a meal now and then.

Certainly, the darkness in our lives isn't lack of opportunity; even if we don't have the job we would most love to have, there are abundant places where we can use our talents for good.

What IS the darkness in our lives? The chief darkness in our lives is in our own hearts. The dark corner of our hearts where resentment festers. The dark corner of our hearts where jealousy lurks. The dark corner of our hearts where fear constantly mutters 'not enough' and 'what's in it for me?'.

Jesus came not only to bring light around us, but also IN us. And if we believe that we need His light and open ourselves to it, it will allow us to put away the worst kind of darkness, the darkness IN us. Forever. THIS is the whole point of the Holy Week to come.

Faithfully,
Janet+