“God is light and there is no darkness in him,” writes St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in his Epistle (1 John 1:5). Also in the prologue of his gospel he speaks of the divine word of God, which comes into the world as light, it "shines in the darkness and the darkness does not grasp it" (John 1:1-18). Everything begins with this divine light. God says: Let there be light (Genesis 1:3) and thus the world begins to exist.

Nevertheless, much remains in the dark. Not everything is enlightened with the birth of Christ and his resurrection. There is still much darkness and much darkness in this world. Especially in the last few years, we've all had the opportunity to think about it.

I am thinking of the countless victims of the wars, of the victims of the pandemic, of the victims of xenophobia and injustice, but also of their family members and the bereaved. I think of all the seriously ill, abused or abandoned people, but also of people who have to flee.

There is still so much suffering and injustice in this world. And most of it is the result of the dark thoughts in people's minds... Can anything change? Yes, says the apostle, who is a witness of the quickening divine word. He speaks to us today and testifies: God's word, his message to us, gives us orientation, helps us to get our lives under control. His word gives us hope and confidence.

Apostle John speaks of the light that comes into the darkness and shines in the darkness. Even though on Calvary it seems as if darkness has taken hold of the light, on the Day of Resurrection we see that the flame of love between Father and Son continues to burn, reviving the Crucified to life. Darkness has no power over the light that is Christ. He shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not comprehended it. If we choose the light and turn our lives to Him, confess our sins and convert to God, we will burn like little candles and remove the darkness of the world, at least around us. We can accept God's promise to us and change our lives so that our works shine. Even then we will not be spared suffering and pain, but with Christ we are not afraid. Because we know that the darknesses that come in whatever form do not have the last word. Shine as in the name of Christ and may his blessings be with you forever. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Diradur Sardaryan