We Stand in the Light of Jesus
by Maryann Ziemer
Jesus says to the people, “I am the light.” Now the people of the time knew the importance of light. It was during the hours of daylight that they could tend their fields and vineyards, herd their sheep, and manage their daily chores. Their light sources—lamps and burning oils—were valued possessions, tended to carefully. In fact, the lighting of lamps each evening was a blessing ritual. In declaring himself “the light,” Jesus places himself within the people’s everyday experience—familiar and essential to life itself.
Apr 13
At Home with the Easter Season: Week Three
When we hear Jesus make that most fundamental declaration—“I am the
light”—we sense the enormity of it all. For if Jesus is light, then he
is also the energy of light, transmitted to us through his teaching,
loving sacrifice, and Resurrection—by which our salvation is secured.
Talk about: As Jesus’ disciples, we stand in his light. The light of Jesus enters our lives so we see, understand, and know with the eyes of faith. We see the goodness of a loving, compassionate, and generous God. We understand that we are invited, through Jesus, to know God. And, in turn, we reflect Jesus’ light to others.
A Light Activity
Light travels in a straight line but it can be reflected to shine elsewhere. Its energy causes change. This activity demonstrates redirecting light and illustrates a relationship to Jesus as the light of the world that we, his followers, reflect to others.
You will need
Talk about: As Jesus’ disciples, we stand in his light. The light of Jesus enters our lives so we see, understand, and know with the eyes of faith. We see the goodness of a loving, compassionate, and generous God. We understand that we are invited, through Jesus, to know God. And, in turn, we reflect Jesus’ light to others.
A Light Activity
Light travels in a straight line but it can be reflected to shine elsewhere. Its energy causes change. This activity demonstrates redirecting light and illustrates a relationship to Jesus as the light of the world that we, his followers, reflect to others.
You will need
- flashlight
- mirror
- darkened room
What to do
- Shine the flashlight beam around the darkened room. Observe that light travels in a straight line, from the flashlight to wherever the flashlight is pointed: the ceiling, the wall, the floor, a student’s shirt.
- Now shine the flashlight beam onto a mirror. Observe how the straight line of light can be sent to different places in the room if the mirror is tilted one way or the other.
Talk about: As followers of Jesus, we receive his light and reflect it to others each time we show love and give service.
You
can help your students share the joy and meaning of the season with
their families. Encourage children to share the flashlight activity with their family. Make copies of these weekly reflections, spanning
seven weeks of the Easter Season, and have students take them home to
share.
Click here for At Home with the Easter Season: Week One.
Click here for At Home with the Easter Season: Week Two.
Maryann
Ziemer is a published author with teaching experience in pre-K,
kindergarten, and seventh-grade religious education. She writes about
subjects related to health, science, and education.
Source: CATECHIST Magazine, April/May 2010
Copyright
2010, Peter Li, Inc. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in
any form without permission, except for use with your classes or
families.
We Reflect the Light of Jesusby Maryann ZiemerOur Catholic faith tradition and Judaic heritage are rich in the imagery of light. God provided a column of fire to give the Israelites light through the night in their journey out of Egypt (Exodus 13:21).
Tracked: Apr 19, 19:11