On the other hand, we experience more and more the failure of our efforts and our personal shortcomings, despite our best intentions. If we believe that he is the Son of God, who healed the sick and raised the dead, who rose from the grave himself and is truly alive, then we can understand that he is the light, the source of all the lights of this world. And we help one another to find our bearings, to work out where we stand in society.ĭear friends, the Lord says: “I am the light of the world – you are the light of the world.” It is mysterious and wonderful that Jesus applies the same predicate to himself and to each one of us, namely “light”. We help one another to set an example, we give others a share in what is ours: our thoughts, our deeds, our affections. Nobody can believe unless he is supported by the faith of others, and conversely, through my faith, I help to strengthen others in their faith. Particularly in our faith, then, we do not stand alone, we are links in the great chain of believers. And it is for the important things of life that we have to rely on other people. In their gleam, space acquires contours, so that we can find our bearings. The eyes of those who believe in Christ see light even amid the darkest night and they already see the dawning of a new day. To be sure, those who believe in Jesus do not lead lives of perpetual sunshine, as though they could be spared suffering and hardship, but there is always a bright glimmer there, lighting up the path that leads to fullness of life (cf. He has conquered death – he is alive – and faith in him, like a small light, cuts through all that is dark and threatening. Christ, risen from the dead, shines in this world and he does so most brightly in those places where, in human terms, everything is sombre and hopeless. While all around us there may be darkness and gloom, yet we see a light: a small, tiny flame that is stronger than the seemingly powerful and invincible darkness. In the end, though, a frightening darkness remains. Innocent suffering and the ultimate fact of death awaiting every single person are an impenetrable darkness which may perhaps, through fresh experiences, be lit up for a moment, as if through a flash of lightning at night. Again and again we have to experience how our striving to bring about a better and more just world hits against its limits. It is not our human efforts or the technical progress of our era that brings light into this world. Jesus who says of himself: “I am the light of the world” (Jn 8:12), causes our lives to shine brightly, so that what we have just heard in the Gospel comes true: “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). This wonderful liturgical rite, which we have imitated in our prayer vigil tonight, reveals to us in signs more eloquent than words the mystery of our Christian faith. One tiny flame spreads out to become many lights and fills the darkness of God’s house with its brightness. In all churches, in cathedrals and religious houses, wherever the faithful gather to celebrate the Easter Vigil, that holiest of all nights begins with the lighting of the Paschal candle, whose light is then passed on to all who are present. It is my wish that we may experience the same thing now: that the Lord may touch our hearts and make us joyful witnesses who pray together and support one another, not just this evening but throughout our lives. No doubt some of you were present at World Youth Day, where we were able to experience the special atmosphere of peace, deep fellowship and inner joy that characterizes an evening prayer vigil.
Throughout today I have been looking forward to this evening, and to this opportunity to be together with you and to join you in prayer.
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