The Pharisees did not recognize Jesus as the Light of the World because of their ignorance. They did not know where Jesus came from or where He was going (Jn 8:14). Also, they did not recognize Who Jesus was because of their superficiality. They judged by appearances (Jn 8:15).

The Pharisees refused to recognize Jesus as the Light, Lord, Savior, and God because they lacked a personal relationship with both Jesus and the Father. They did not know the Father and the Son personally (Jn 8:19). The Pharisees' lack of personal relationship with Jesus was the cause of their ignorance and superficiality. It was the ultimate cause of failing to see Jesus the Light.

Today, many Christians are Biblically illiterate. They don't know what God has revealed in His word. Many Catholic Christians are woefully ignorant and confused about what the Church teaches. Moreover, many Christians seem to be trying to "play games" with God. They dabble in Christianity while avoiding a deep, total commitment to the Lord. This ignorance and superficiality are due to a lack of personal relationship with Jesus. If we love someone, we'll do all we can to learn everything possible about them, and we will want to love them more deeply.

This Lent, let's decide to know and love the Lord personally, deeply, and totally.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997