Darkness is the total absence of light, and the prevailing or overpowering presence of chaos, with which the World began. The first thing that God created was light, before embarking on the creation of Heaven and Earth. “Let there be light. And there was light” (Genesis 1:3). But God did not destroy darkness altogether; He merely separated light from darkness, calling the light, ‘Day’, and the darkness, ‘Night’, thus completing the task of the first day of Creation (Genesis: 1:4-5).

The second day, God proceeded to create Heaven and Earth, completed the rest of Creation in six days, and rested on the seventh, thus legislating the Sabbath as a day of rest and reflection. Ours is hence a world of contrasts, with everything existing in polarities: Light versus darkness; good versus evil; sin versus righteousness; vice versus virtue; ignorance versus knowledge; Heaven versus Hell.

It is, essentially, a world of choice between contrasting phenomena, challenging our freedom to choose aright. Light is meant to prevail over darkness, as good is meant to triumph over evil. But in a country like Nigeria where darkness often prevails over light, because of poor and corrupt governance, the unfortunate inhabitants are usually kept in a state of perpetual darkness, both physically and psychologically. Beyond the literal interpretation of light and darkness, the physical condition also implies the metaphorical. Light connotes awareness, understanding and beauty; darkness suggests ignorance, confusion and ugliness. Thus, in the dark world of sin, the Christian is expected to serve as the shining light to others. The candle or the light-giving lamp is of little use to itself, and the least luminous area is the area immediately surrounding the lamp or candle which is meant to throw its radiance far and wide. The fragrance of the flower is meant for others to perceive, just as the ripe fruits on the tree are meant for others to consume. The lamp carried by the blind is not meant for him or her; it is meant to illuminate the surrounding for the benefit of the sighted.

In explaining the parable of the Sower to his disciples, Jesus asks rhetorically: “Would someone enter with a lamp in order to place it under a basket or under a bed? Would it not be placed upon a lampstand?” (Mark 4:21). Christianly virtues are of no value if they do not radiate outwards for others to emulate and be made better persons. No one goes to Heaven or Hell alone; you pull others along with you by your influential conduct on a daily basis. You influence others, not only by what you do, but also by what you fail to do. Action and inaction speak louder than words. And so, Jesus says: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

Similarly, Christ says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, with what will it be salted? It is no longer useful at all, except to be cast out and trampled under by men” (Matthew 5:13). Like light, salt is of no use by itself, but by its capacity to bring out the delicious taste inherent in the soup. Gastronomic science tells us that salt actually adds nothing new to the stew; but it brings out or highlights what is intrinsically there. So, if there is no inherent taste, there is nothing to be brought out.

Here is where salt differs from light which actually adds extra value by throwing illumination around the environment to keep darkness in check, and enable others to see. But both light and salt perform positive roles of enhancing the experiences of others, and making life better for them. Unlike light which requires a generous intensity to keep away darkness, only a small and measured dose of salt is needed to make a substantial difference to the soup. A good Christian is expected to exhibit both qualities. But an overdose of salt is tantamount to undesirable exhibitionism. Moderation is key.

The Crucifixion of Christ was an event of monumental darkness, while his Resurrection brought about light of unspeakable luminosity, turning what would have been Bad Friday into Good Friday; the day Jesus paid the ultimate ransom for our salvation. Hence, the Easter Vigil Night ceremonies always commence in total darkness, which is gradually dispelled as the Paschal Candle is lit, and everywhere becomes bright.

The symbolism is that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, whose Incarnation has dispelled the darkness of sin and death, and gifted humanity with the unquenchable flame of his love. Hence, no Mass is celebrated without the altar candles. To be Christ-like is to be the light to others. No true Christian should ever remain in psychological darkness anymore; rather, they should be a source of light to the world, and salt to the earth by keeping strictly to the injunction to love their neighbours as themselves. This will make the world a brighter place to live in, and also make it sweeter and more delicious for maximum enjoyment.