In today's Gospel reading, we see a fearless and fiery Jesus confound and elude His hapless enemies who are already conspiring to kill Him.

In this passage, although the shadow of the cross may loom large in the mind of the reader, we are reminded that while the arms of Christ will eventually embrace His cross in the fullness of time, the Light of Christ will always shine away its shadow.

Let us remember that whenever we are beset by the principalities and powers that approach us in the shadow of our own crosses, the Light of Christ will always overcome it - no matter the circumstance.