Today’s gospel story of the healing of the man born blind appears seven times in artwork in the catacombs of ancient Rome. Since the early Christians were persecuted by the Romans, they literally went underground in the labyrinth of interconnected tombs to celebrate Baptism, the Eucharist, and the other sacraments. In the darkness of these catacombs they heard this gospel and contemplated the corresponding art to learn about what it means to be baptized persons.
The words of Jesus, “I am the light of the world,” echo throughout the Christian centuries even to our day. Enlightenment, belief, conversion, “now I see,” are all experiences of the power of the light of Christ over any shadow of darkness.
Lent is about intensifying our walk in the light of Christ. It is about appreciating the difference it makes to be persons washed anew in the saving waters of Baptism. How do you experience this saving light?