As followers of Christ, we relate to the world as the Lord does. Jesus loves the world so much that He gave His life for it (Jn 3:16). Also, Jesus is the Light of the world (Jn 8:12). In imitation of Jesus, we too love the peoples of the world and "are the light of the world" (Mt 5:14). However, "the judgment of condemnation is this: the light came into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were wicked. Everyone who practices evil hates the light" (Jn 3:19-20). Jesus said: "If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated Me before you. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own; the reason it hates you is that you do not belong to the world" (Jn 15:18-19). We imitate Jesus as we bring love and light to a world which hates us because we don't belong to it.

However, the good news is: "The light shines on in darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it" (Jn 1:5). "For God, Who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts, that we in turn might make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ" (2 Cor 4:6). Jesus promises: "No follower of Mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life" (Jn 8:12). Light a hateful world into the love of Christ.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2009

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