In this verse from the Epistle to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul offers us a powerful image to describe the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. Before conversion, we were "darkness", that is, immersed in sin and far from God. But with the acceptance of Jesus Christ into our lives, we have become "light in the Lord".
This light is not just a metaphor, but represents the reality of God's presence within us. As the sun illuminates the world with its light, so the presence of God within us illuminates our lives and allows us to live in a new way.
From this new identity of "children of light" comes a call: to "behave as children of light". In other words, our way of life must reflect the light of God within us.
How can we behave as children of light? In practice, it means living according to the values and teachings of Jesus Christ. It means manifesting the fruits of the spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
It also means rejecting the works of the flesh, fornication, impurity, debauchery, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, enmities, strife, jealousy, wrath, strife, divisions, sects, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and other similar things (Galatians 5:19-21 ).
To live as children of light, we can count on God's help. The Holy Spirit guides us and gives us the strength to live according to his will.
Together we pray to the Lord telling him: God of heaven, we thank you for giving us your light through Jesus Christ. We ask you to help us live as true children of light, manifesting the fruits of your Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Give us the strength to resist temptations and to always choose the good. Help us to be instruments of light in the world, bringing love, joy and hope to all those around us. In the name of Jesus... Amen!
With love, Ivano Salerno