Main news for 14 February 2026

In Church Slavonic, in the Synodal translation, in Bishop Cassian's translation, and in other Russian translations, there are two different expressions: light of the world and light to the world. This difference is absent from the Greek, from the Vulgate, and from translations into modern European languages. Yet this point is very important for you and me if we are to understand today's Gospel reading correctly. We see here two entirely different spiritual traditions. Everyone is free to choose either of them, as long as that choice is conscious.

Still, this does not prevent us from turning to the general meaning of what was said. The main word that comes to mind when trying to understand it is probably: witness. "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). We can only bear witness; nothing else is given to us. Bear witness by word and deed. This is exactly why Seraphim of Sarov said: save yourself, and thousands around you will be saved. And how often we want someone to lead us by the hand to salvation. How we want our spiritual father to take responsibility for our actions. But no. We can only be witnesses to one another.

And one more thing comes to mind when reflecting on today's text. Remember where else this expression "light of the world" occurs. "The disciples said to Him, Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world" (John 11:8,9). A strange answer. As if to a different question, yet it seems to us that it gives a great deal for understanding what this is: the light of the world.