From today’s Scripture: “The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’”—Jn 10:22-24

The Gospel of John rarely gives historical detail that isn’t accompanied by a deeper insight. Here, we find something in his stating that Christ’s interaction occurs during the feast of the Dedication, also known as Hanukkah. This feast celebrated the cleansing of the temple and the miracle of the enduring light. It would seem that John is inviting us to see something here. “Who is this Jesus?” we might ask along with the crowd.

John answers this most clearly. He is the light of the world. The one that cleanses us from our sins. Yet, sometimes it is difficult for us to see and understand this, not because God is hidden, but because we fail to have eyes to see.

Let us pray: Lord, give us eyes to see your glory, your nearness, and to experience your love. May we be changed by this and begin to see you in every moment.

Today’s author is Nathan Smith, the director of ecumenism for Glenmary and consultant for the US Catholic bishops.

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