I invite you to continue to let the light you have selected for yourself -- such as a special candle, a gentle lamp -- be your Lenten symbol as you walk this journey to the light. When you sit with your Lenten book or spend time in reflection, make sure your light is nearby reminding you that God is the light of the world.

And I invite you to continue to use the mantra: "I am the light of the world ... where there is darkness let me bring light." As you move through this third full week of Lent, let this prayer be your mantra, repeated over and over until it is part of you.

As you spend some time with John's gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent, reading it over slowly and thoughfully and some time with Joan's reflection, consider this: What are your first reactions to Joan's wisdom?

If it is not enough to regret evil without doing something to denounce it, to deter it, discuss one way that you might be the light the world needs so that tomorrow's dawn may be brighter for everyone.

Share as you wish and are able -- on the way with you -- Mary Ellen