It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” vss. 44-45
Luke 23:32-49
In the prologue to his gospel John wrote, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Believers have found great comfort in this verse through the centuries, and we’re quick to recall it when times get tough and we’re looking for a glimmer of hope. But Luke reminds us that John’s observation is only part of the story when it comes to dealing with despotic powers and the forces of evil. He tells us plainly that the sun’s light failed and darkness prevailed on that fateful Friday when Jesus died. His words are a stark reminder that sometimes darkness does have the upper hand in human interactions, and, if we’re being honest, we have to agree. How else can we explain the despicable actions so evident in the Ukrainian war? What other way is there to understand the countless massacres, genocides, and acts of violence through the centuries? What other explanation is there for slavery and degrading oppression? Sometimes it even seems as though there’s been more darkness than light in the course of human history. Jesus knew that darkness well, yet when caught in its grip, he said to the thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” And those who are his followers, even when overwhelmed by the darkness, continue to believe that the Light of Easter will win the day.
Thought for the Day: Where am I seeing the Light?
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