Let There Be Light
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture reflects on the saying of God in the Book of Genesis: “Let there be light, and there was light,” explaining that light is not merely a material element created at the beginning of creation, but it is a divine declaration about the nature of God Himself, because God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Light in the Coptic Orthodox Christian understanding carries a deep spiritual dimension connected to righteousness, holiness, and life with God.
The Material Light and the Spiritual Light
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God created the substance of light first, and from it the sun and the moon were created. But there is a greater light, which is the divine light. God is the true light, while the human being shines only if the light of God is reflected upon him, just as the moon reflects the light of the sun. Therefore we say: “In Your light we see light.”
Man as a Son of Light
We are called to be “sons of light,” and that our light should shine before people so they may see our good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven. The true Christian ought to be a light in his home, in his society, and in all his relationships, not being ashamed of faith nor of witnessing to the truth.
The Oil as a Symbol of the Holy Spirit
Light in the human being is likened to a lamp that does not shine by itself, but by the oil within it, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. If the human being is empty of the work of the Spirit in him, his light is extinguished. Likewise, the candle and the lamp are a constant remembrance that holiness is connected to the presence of the Holy Spirit working in the heart.
Light and Darkness: A Spiritual Struggle
Sin is called works of darkness because it is done in secrecy and fears being exposed. Righteousness, however, is light. Therefore the Scripture urges us not to partake in the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather to rebuke them. Light reveals, and darkness hides, and whoever walks in darkness departs from God.
The Separation Between Light and Darkness
As God separated between light and darkness at the beginning of creation, so the children of God are required to separate from works of evil. There is no fellowship between light and darkness. In eternity this complete separation will take place, as the righteous enter the luminous city, and the wicked are cast into the outer darkness away from the light of God.
Light in the Church and in Life
Light is present in the church in the sanctuary, in the reading of the Gospel, and in the holy sacraments, as a continual reminder that life with God is a life of light. Faith, baptism, and the Word of God enlighten the mind, the heart, and the spirit, and transfer the human being from the darkness of ignorance and sin to the light of knowledge and grace.
A Practical Call
The divine call “Let there be light” is not merely an event in the past, but it is a continual call for every person to live in the light, to spread it, and not to do any deed that he would be ashamed to declare before people. The works of light produce life, but the works of darkness lead to death.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
