The Oil Lantern

Third Sunday in Lent

March 3, 2024

John 2:13-25

One of my favorite memories is when we traveled to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. One time, we took a tour called the Lantern Tour. As the name implies, our group was given oil lanterns to carry. Every third person was given a lantern, which, in truth, does not give off a lot of light. The group followed the Ranger into the cave, and as we walked further along, any light from the outside slowly diminished, until we were in total darkness, save the light from the lanterns.

On one hand, a dozen oil lanterns do not give off much light at all. On the other hand, in complete and total darkness, you’d be amazed to appreciate how much light there was and how much we could see. I had a new-found respect for the early explorers of the cave system for their gutsiness. While I really was not afraid while on the tour, I will admit to feeling a sense of relief when we began to approach the cave entrance on our way out. From quite a distance, the glow of the light began to filter into the cave and brought everyone’s blood pressure down a bit. We had hope that we would be out in daylight again very soon.

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus remind all of us that if we walk in the light, darkness cannot overcome us. And Jesus breaks down even more: “whoever lives the truth comes to the light” [Jn 3:21] Just live a truthful life and I will come to the light of Christ.

As I reflect on my life, I see many instances of darkness. The darkness of feeling inferior. The darkness of fear. The darkness of loneliness. The darkness of insecurity. The darkness of disappointment. Yet, I will tell you that in spite of all the darkness, I never felt unloved. Michael W. Smith wrote a song called, I Have Never Been Unloved.

The first refrain says

“Sometimes I have been unwise

I've been undone by what I'm unsure of

But because of You

And all that You went through

I know that I have never been unloved”

It may seem as though our world prefers darkness. All we hear about is war, death, famine, racism, suffering, forest fires, and floods. While that may be true and darkness and evil are real, I also contend that goodness and light abound abundantly. There are people who feed the poor everyday. First Responders charge into dangerous situations every day. Scientists are working to minimize the effects of climate change. Missionaries toil worldwide to bring Good News to all God’s people. And, lest we forget, there are countless untold stories of random acts of kindness that occur every day.

Love is the light that overcomes darkness. A simple oil lantern can fill the inky void of a Mammoth Cave. A faint night-light will calm the fears of a child in its bed. A smile that lights up will lift the soul of a downtrodden heart. Love pierces the darkness of rejection and depression with God’s light of hope.

Doomsayers and prognosticators want me to believe that darkness is nigh, and all hope is lost. I refuse to buy into that narrative. In my life all I have known is love. My parents, my family, my spouse, my children and grandchildren, and my faith community have shown me that truth and light is love and that light is real. In spite of whatever darknesses that have invaded my life, I have experienced love and light.

It is my task to be that light for others, as others have shared the light with me. I may not even realize when I am being light, but if my intent is to share God’s truth with each person I encounter, then the Spirit will give me the means to shine God’s merciful light. May I be God’s truth and light.

Every Day

     “Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.

     Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation.

     Where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor avarice.

     Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt.”

-       St. Francis of Assisi