eternal darkroom
"The judgment of condemnation is this: the Light came into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were wicked." —John 3:19
Darkness is the absence of light. You can make a dark room light by turning on a flashlight. However, you can't make a light room dark by turning on a "flashdark." By definition, no one can invent a machine that shines darkness which overpowers light. You can only make a room dark by extinguishing the source of the light.
Jesus came to the world as its Light (Jn 12:46). However, men hated the light of Christ because they preferred evil lifestyles (Jn 3:19). Since they couldn't overcome the Light (Jn 1:5), they extinguished Jesus by crucifying Him.
Alleluia! Jesus has risen! "The Light shines on in darkness" and can no longer be extinguished (Jn 1:5). So now the only way for men to find the darkness they crave is to erect a place to exclude the Light. Photographers do this by building a darkroom to develop their film. Those committed to a lifestyle of sin build their darkroom by erecting walls to exclude Jesus, the Light (Jn 8:12).
If you make the final, irreversible decision to separate yourself from Jesus the Light, there's a place "of definitive self-exclusion from" God (Catechism, 1033). It's called hell. In hell, you are safe forever from being bothered by the light (see Lk 16:26). Sadly, the eternal fire (Mk 9:48), demonic harassments, and ruthless punishments of hell won't bother you much at all compared to the pain of eternal separation from God and His love (see Catechism, 1035). Therefore, repent now! Accept Jesus, Who came to save you, not to condemn you (Jn 3:16-17). Live in His Light.
Prayer: Jesus, apart from You, I can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Protect me from myself. "Draw me" always to You (Sg 1:4; Jn 12:32).
Promise: "I will bless the Lord at all times." —Ps 34:2
Praise: When Robert began reading the Catechism, he learned the Word of God and deepened his relationship with Jesus.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 27, 2005
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