Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going.” (John 12:35)

It’s still dark when I wake up to pray. The windows downstairs have been open all night. The stairs, the wood floors are cold. I swerve to miss the tuba case in the middle of the living room floor. I broke my toe on the baritone saxophone case two months ago, so I’m careful.

Walking in the dark is not a good idea. We know this from experience, but we get used to walking in the dark. We learn where the tuba case is. We know the hazards to avoid. We accommodate.

“If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going,” Jesus said, but we think we do. We think know all those hazards. We think we don’t need to turn on a light. Until our foot meets the unexpected object, and we crumble.

That’s not how it’s intended to be.

Turn on the light. See the sin ahead of you, and go around it. Know the temptations you face, and avoid them. Notice the sharp stones of self-criticism under your feet, and find protection.

Today, this Tuesday of Holy Week, I will remember Christ when I squint into the sun. I will remember His goodness when on turn on a lamp. And I will try, however stumbling, to walk in His light.