Easter Second Week , Wednesday – Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, 
This week we are still in the lingering brilliance of Easter, sustained by the memory of the Paschal Candle – once kindled anew at the Easter Vigil, then shared, flame by flame, until the whole church was aglow. This act is not merely a tradition or a beautiful symbol; it reveals a fundamental truth: Christ is our light, and as disciples, we are called not only to receive this light but to bear it into the world.

Our readings today remind us of this identity. In the Acts of the Apostles, we see the apostles imprisoned, and yet the angel of the Lord leads them into freedom. Darkness threatens, but God’s light prevails. In the Gospel, Christ Himself proclaims: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. . . so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish, but may have eternal life.” And with this, He gives a warning and a hope: “The Light has come into the world. . . whoever lives the truth comes to the Light.”

As we meditate on these mysteries, our minds inevitably turn to the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who, after his death, leaves us with both a luminous witness of pastoral charity and a Church at a historic crossroads. The impending conclave will gather to discern a new shepherd – one who must walk in the light of Christ, uncompromising in fidelity to the truth handed down by the apostles, yet also gentle enough to bear that truth to a world so desperate for hope.

The temptation in moments like this is to retreat into shadows – fears, factions, or doubts about the future. But we must remember: the Church is not sustained by human ingenuity, but by the radiant life of Christ. His light does not extinguish when a pontificate ends; it persists, passed from one generation to another, just as the fire at the Easter Vigil passes from the Paschal candle to all the faithful. Whenever confusion or uncertainty clouds our path, we are invited to “light a candle” – to turn anew to Christ, asking that His wisdom illuminate the path ahead.

As we intercede for the Cardinals who will soon gather in conclave, let us pray that only Christ’s light guides their hearts. May they remain rooted in the orthodoxy and tradition of the faith, neither bending truth nor withholding mercy, confident that the Church’s true Shepherd never abandons His flock.

Lord Jesus Christ, your light dispels all darkness. Illuminate the hearts of your faithful. Give us, and those entrusted with great responsibility, the courage to love as you love, to desire what you desire, to remain in the truth – now and always. Amen.

Let’s hold fast to the light – unafraid, steadfast, and full of hope.