The Lord hears the cry of the poor.--Psalm 34:7
Mass readings: Acts 5:17-26 / John 3:16-21
''It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.'' A beautiful saying, but if you're like me you may find that on some days, or when you're in some moods, it seems a lot more satisfying just to sit and curse the darkness. Jesus recognizes that side of us in today's Gospel: ''People preferred darkness to light.'' Sometimes we can get so trapped in our own darkness that light seems distasteful or unattainable.
At such times, we might remember the first words of today's Gospel: ''God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.'' God didn't wait for us to become bright and sunny before sending His Son. He sought us out in our darkness that He might lead us gently to light and hope.
Prayer: Lord, shine on all who dwell in darkness and guide us into the way of peace.