Upon reflecting on today’s Gospel, my eyes gazed upon the word light and darkness. They bring back some of my dark memories of when I bumped into a toxic relationship.
During my early career in rural areas, without realising I had allowed myself to be used, abused and insulted by a person whom I couldn’t get away with. I let it all happen because I was blinded by loneliness, which she filled in some toxic way. Everything became worse as I slowly drifted away from the light and tangled in sins feeding my loneliness.
Despite the above, I saw God’s work through my family and friends who were willing to listen to my burdens (although they were miles away). Through the persistence in praying, going to confessions, and listening to His words, I saw a light of hope. Then finally came the day she left my life for good as she relocated work. I was in despair initially and tempted to continue the relationship. But then I learned that the best way to love a toxic person is from a distance (or else I would get hurt more and could be buried deeper in the darkness). And that’s what I did, I stayed away, prayed for her instead, and decided to move on to the light that God provided.
If you happen to find yourself in the darkness, know that God loves you and there is hope, and don’t be afraid to stand up and seek help. It’s never too late to repent and turn into the light.
There are many of us trapped in the darkness of the secular world these days, yet only a few lights around. We sometimes quickly judge people for their wrong-doing and not understanding that they may need help. Have we become a light for them instead? A simple act we can do (and we can start this with our family and friends) is by asking, “are you OK?”
While writing this, I was also inspired by the World Youth Day 2008 anthem song “Receive the Power”. Have a listen to it (I highly recommend) and let’s ask God to send Holy Spirit upon us so we may find the light and be the light unto the world during this lent season.