The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
I love the first paragraph of John! The mere sound of the words is powerful and majestic, catching my attention, compounding the impact of their meaning, carrying me forward as on a wave to the gift of HOPE in verse five.
Apparently I need frequent reminders of the power - sometimes mere existence - of Goodness, as cruelty and sadness scream constantly for attention. Love and Kindness, quietly confident of their value, have no need to throw such tantrums - and thus I sometimes lose sight of them.
In verse five above, the word OVERCOME is alternately translated as COMPREHEND (etc.) from a Greek word that carries the double meaning of overpower and understand. This is significant not only to the relationship between darkness and Light, but also to the way I perceive the passage. When the message of Hope gets through and I understand that Light will always, ultimately overcome darkness, my heart sings! Yet too often I either fail to grasp it or stop believing it could be true, my earthbound mind requiring proof but finding none within easy reach.
Hope, though, keeps sending me reminders and waits patiently for me to come around. I’m learning, and choosing, to live into the belief that Light will overcome any degree or form of darkness, whether I comprehend it right away or not.
Leckie Conners
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