During the month of April, we experienced what seemed like excessive cloudiness.  Some days the clouds brought rain but more often they just hung around and brought gloom. “I am so tired of the clouds.  When will it end?” became a frequent refrain that is usually associated with January and February rather than April.

Today’s gospel speaks of a different kind of darkness that permeates our environment.  It is a darkness that results from a failure to recognize and accept the light of Jesus.  The darkness of the April clouds weighed on peoples’ mood and spirit.  That darkness cannot compare to the darkness experienced when we do not hear the word of Jesus.

Jesus provides more than a few hours or days of light, but rather an eternal light. It is a light that provides relief from the trials and sufferings of everyday life. It is a light that can warm and comfort us.

We do not have to wait for the clouds to move out.  The light of Jesus is always available to us; all we have to do is be open to it.

In words from the Easter Proclamation:

“Rejoice , O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fill you!
Darkness vanishes forever!