“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world — the Greek "photizō" (to give light, enlighten) suggests not merely revelation but the bestowal of capacity to perceive truth. The "true" light (ho alethinos) echoes John's characteristic interest in reality and authenticity versus mere appearance. The present participle "was coming" (erchetai) indicates the Word's ongoing entrance into history, suggesting both the incarnation and its continuing effect through the Gospel.
Church Fathers on John 1:9
What Light it is to which John bears witness, he shows himself, saying, That was the true Light.
Or thus; Having said above that John had come, and was sent, to bear witness of the Light, lest any from the recent coming of the witness, should infer the same of Him who is witnessed to, the Evangelist takes us back to that existence which is beyond all beginning, saying, That was the true Light.
Let the Manichean blush, who pronounces us the creatures of a dark and malignant creator: for we should never be enlightened, v ere we not the children of the true Light.
Read all 9 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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