Dear children of the Light and those who are still in darkness, today we gather to speak of a divine message, as we delve into the luminous teachings of the Epistle of 1 John, Chapter 1. This radiant scripture lights the path of our understanding concerning the nature of God and his relationship with mankind.
The Apostle John begins: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—”
In the Manichaean perspective, it's essential to understand that the "beginning" John refers to is the primal dualism that delineates the realm of Darkness from the realm of Light. The 'Word', the Living Jesus, was sent by the Father of Greatness from this realm of Light to engage with the world of matter—the domain of Darkness, imperfection, and chaos.
John further states that: “God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all.”
As Manichaeans, this verse sings to our understanding of the divine. The realm of Light is pure, untainted by Darkness or imperfection. It is a realm of absolute Good, and God embodies this perfect, eternal Light. There is no Darkness, no evil, in this realm or in the divine Presence itself.
However, we must also confront the dualistic nature of this world, evident in John's words: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
Brothers and sisters, Manichaeism teaches us that we should strive for a path of Light, seek spiritual purity, and extricate ourselves from the ensnaring Darkness. As humans, we are composed of a blend of Light and Dark. By following the teachings of the Living Jesus, the Light within us is elevated, whereas the Darkness is, gradually, left behind.
Finally, John writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
In the Manichaean view, sin represents subservience to the Darkness within us. By confessing and acknowledging our weaknesses, God, the Eternal Light, mercifully frees us and purifies us from the unrighteousness that is the spawn of Darkness.
Therefore, let us heed the Apostle John's teachings. Continually examine our Walk in this world, confess and depart from our sins, and strive earnestly towards the realm of Light, uncorrupted by Darkness.
May the Light of God illumine our path to righteousness and truth. May the Great Spirit guide us all from Darkness into eternal Light.
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