Today, a Gospel as brief as this one, is all the same rich in themes appealing to our attention. In the first place, “to give light”: everything is clear in God's eyes! Second great theme: Graces link together, if we are faithful to one, we receive one blessing after another: “Gratia pro Gratia” (Jn 1:16). And last, human language for divine and imperishable things.

God's Light for those joining the Church! Christian mothers, whispering in their children's ear, have been teaching them for centuries, expressive words, but most of all, they have been doing it with the ‘light’ of their good examples. They have also sown the typical popular and evangelic wisdom, compressed in many proverbs, as full of wisdom as of faith. One of these sayings is this: “Throw some light on, not smoke.” St. Matthew tells us: “…It gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mt 5:15-16).

Examining our conscience at dusk can be compared to the shopkeeper who counts up to check the fruit of his work. He does not start by asking: —How much have I lost today? He rather wonders: —How much money did I make today? And immediately after, he may add: —How can I make more tomorrow, what can I do to improve? To finalize our working day we may end it with a thanksgiving prayer and, in contrast, with an act of love and regret. —I regret not having loved more and hope to start tomorrow a new day to please Our Lord, who always sees me, comes with me and loves me so much. —I want to provide more light and lessen the smoke from the fire of my love.

In family evenings, parents and grandparents have forged —and still do— the personality and compassion of today's children and tomorrow's men. It is worth it! It is urgent! The Virgin Mary, Morning Star, Virgin of Dawn preceding the Light of the Sun-Jesus, guides us and gives us her hand. “O Happy Virgin! It is impossible that he whom you have looked at, gets lost” (St. Anselm).