Second Week of Easter, Wednesday – Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21
Still in the glow of Easter, the Church turns again to the light of Christ. The Paschal Candle, first lit at the Vigil and then shared flame by flame across the congregation, is more than a fine symbol. It points to a basic Christian truth: Christ is the light, and disciples are meant to carry that light into the world.
Today’s readings underline that identity. In Acts, the apostles are imprisoned, yet God opens the way to freedom. Darkness presses in, but it does not win. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks plainly: God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life. He also says that light has come into the world, and those who live by the truth come towards that light.
At a moment of transition in the Church, following the death of Pope Francis, those words carry added weight. The coming conclave will ask the Cardinals to discern a new Pope who is faithful to apostolic truth and able to serve with charity and clarity.
The Church does not survive by human planning alone. Christ remains its light. And when things feel uncertain, the call is simple: turn back to Him.
Lord Jesus Christ, keep us in your light. Amen.
