‘Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will be my servant also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
….The light is with you a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
(from New Revised Standard Version)
In these passages from St John’s Gospel there is a real sense of urgency. We see Jesus just before the Passover in the last few days of his life. The crowds are gathering to celebrate in Jerusalem, and he begins to talk of his coming death. Only with his death will God’s people be reconciled to Him.
In the last few weeks most of us have thought about the possibility of death, whatever our age. The corona virus seems to attack indiscriminately, and even if we do not worry about our own death we are concerned about family members or friends who are in the “at risk” category.
Jesus’ message is stark, believe in me, he says. Choose light over darkness. These two are symbols for good and evil. The light uncovers evil; the light shines into the dark corners of our lives and our world; and the light overcomes evil. As Christians we have chosen to follow the Light of the World. We need to live in faith that we are loved by God whatever happens.
Jesus, Light of the World,
enable us to so follow you
that even at this time of crisis
we can continue in faith and
begin to shine as lights
amongst our friends and
neighbours, and in the wider
world.
Amen.