Have you ever been in a room illuminated only by a black light? Such a room is very dimly lit. Everything that's white shows up, such as teeth and white socks. Dark objects are barely visible. It's difficult to see how things interrelate. Picture the same room with the black light replaced by a hundred-watt bulb. Now that the room is brightly lit, it's easy to see how the objects in the room relate to one another.
Jesus describes a similar situation in today's Gospel. In modern society, we are bombarded with the values of a secular humanistic culture which disregards God, a "generation which has gone astray" (Acts 2:40). If we allow our minds and consciences to be formed by such ungodly input, then we live in a deep darkness (see Mt 6:23). Like the person in black light, everything true can be seen, but not properly recognized. One can't see clearly in the black light; the "light is darkness" (Mt 6:23). Scripture foretold this: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who change darkness into light, and light into darkness" (Is 5:20).
What programs do you watch? What do you listen to? "The eye is the body's lamp" (Mt 6:22). Would Jesus say your eyes are good or bad? (Mt 6:22-23) Repent of focusing on the world's input (see 1 Jn 2:15). Instead, read Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Be immersed in Jesus, for He has called us "from darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pt 2:9).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may I never prefer the darkness to You (Jn 3:19). Help me to follow You always and be in the light (Jn 8:12). |
| PROMISE: | "Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame." –Ps 34:6 |
| PRAISE: | Joan has worked full time for the Lord for forty years – without salary or welfare. Jesus has provided for all of her needs. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College