Jesus spoke to them once again: “I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life.” This caused the Pharisees to break in with: “You are your own witness. Such testimony cannot be valid." Jesus answered: “What if I am my own witness? My testimony is valid nonetheless, because I know where I came from and where I am going; you know neither the one nor the other.”    

The movie "The Great Buck Howard" is mainly a study of two characters, Buck Howard himself and the narrator of the story, Troy Gable, a young man trying to discover a direction for his life. Much to his father's chagrin, Troy becomes the personal assistant to Howard, learning a little about show business, a little about Buck Howard, and more importantly, a little about life. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, but Troy is intent on finding himself, searching every direction, finally finding something that he likes. He is the image of a young person searching for direction, hoping to discover a good life in the midst of his own desires.    

What should young people look for in today's world? What should be their goals as they grow? What guides should they use? What are their needs as they graduate into a world that sometimes is loving and caring, but many times is so complicated that all it does is confuse? Such are the questions of Troy Gable in the movie "The Great Buck Howard," and in truth, such are the questions of every young person as he/she finishes the preparation that high school or college provides.

One of the unfortunate facts of life from a Christian's point of view is that God does not fit into the answers of many young people as they look at their futures. Often they are more concerned about the fastest road to money and power than they are about personal development. They are not ready to listen to a religious leader like Jesus who tells us that he is the light of the world, the person that keeps us from the darkness that the world throws upon us. In fact, many people, young and old, would prefer the darkness because it offers more material comfort.

Not unlike the Pharisees of Jesus' time, the modern person who is searching for something that can satisfy their desires will find reason to disregard what Jesus says. But if we really want a future of happiness, we should learn that as we pursue our goals, we must follow the direction of a light like Jesus. It means that we continue to do the things that are necessary to make it in our world, even desiring to make it very well, but at the same time, to listen to Jesus who will lead us, as he says, to the light of life. In that way, Jesus becomes a guide for us, as we listen to his words in Scripture, and follow those words, even as we pursue what we want from the world.

THOUGHT
 
PRAYER

Good and gracious God, we all grow into this world that you have created, and we make a living in that world. As we pursue our goals, help us at the same time to choose the principles of your Son as a guide. Be with us, we pray. 

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America