Romans 7:18-25 / Luke 12:54-59
Our shadows are quite interesting when we come to look at it.
It has always been with us and yet it is not a reflection of ourselves as what we see in the mirror.
Our shadows change in shape, in definition and in intensity, although it is always dark.
In a way, we can say that our shadows may be a symbol of our dark side.
There is always a dark sinful side in us, and even as we try to grow in holiness, it seems that we have to struggle more with our sinfulness.
As it is, the brighter the light, the darker the shadows will be.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul shared with us this experience of the spiritual struggle within him.
After saying that he did the wrong things that he didn't intend to, he ended the sharing by saying in that wretched state of his, the only one who could come to his rescue was Jesus Christ our Lord.
We, more than anyone else, should know what that means. Just like we can't get rid of our shadows, neither can we fight against our sinfulness on our own; we need Jesus to rescue and save us.
The clear sign of our sinfulness is our shadow. But the clear sign of the saving power of our Lord Jesus is when His light is shining on us like the noon-day sun, then our shadows are little.