March 18, Thursday Lenten Weekday

Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.--Psalm 106:4

Mass readings: Exodus 32:7-14 / John 5:31-47

Come to the Light

Who would exchange the glories of heaven for one small lamp? Our Lord described John the Baptist as ''a burning and shining lamp'' (Jn 5:35) in whose light the people rejoiced. Those same people refused Jesus, the Light of the World.

One summer at Grandma's, I was engrossed in Tom Sawyer. Our evening ritual was to lie in the backyard, and watch the night sky. Grandma knew all the constellations. Soon after she coaxed me outdoors, I headed back to the house. I curled up in Grandpa's rocker with my book, plunged in darkness, except for the light of one small lamp. Grandma sneaked in behind me and snapped off the light! ''I told you to come outside,'' she warned. John was to Jesus as my small lamp to all the stars of heaven!

Prayer: Light of the World, we come to You. Illumine our lives.