Bearers of God's Light - January 21
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 37:1-18; PM Psalm 37:19-42; Isa. 45:5-17; Eph. 5:15-33; Mark 4:21-34
Sometimes I feel sorry for my dog and cat. Bailey will full on tackle them, snuggling up with the animals on the floor or a bed in a four-point bear hug, trying to literally cover them in love. I am surprised that they even seem to more than tolerate it most of the time. It’s cute as can be and reminds me that most people (and creatures) just want to love and be loved.
A neighbor recently organized bringing dinners on Wednesday nights to another neighbor who had surgery inviting the whole neighborhood to care for her as she was on the mend. More than a few people in our congregation have reached out to ask how they might use stimulus money to care for people in need in the larger community. Last night, half of the people who picked up church dinners dropped off large bags of non-perishable items to be delivered through Community Kitchen’s mobile food pantry. There is a whole lot of goodness going on and I know I’m not even scratching the surface. One might call it light shining in this world.
Yesterday, I was struck by the twenty-two-year-old inaugural poet, Amanda Gorman’s, powerful vision for our future where she concluded, “for there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” Gorman’s words stand on their own and yet they provide an interesting way of us exploring today’s Gospel passage from Mark.
In today’s passage, Jesus also reminds us that there is always light. In this story, he is speaking to the twelve disciples and uses some strong language. “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Many translations add the exclamation point. Prior to that line, Jesus asks the question, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.” The image of God’s light being all-consuming and present is brought to mind. Can you imagine everything being exposed to the light of God?
As I think of Gorman’s words as a person of faith, for me, it is not initially a question of bravery, but of faith. Jesus reminds us that it is not a question of whether or not there is light, but how we and God shine that light on everything else. For some that is letting others know about hope, love, and God’s promise. For others, it is through acts of compassion, service, and humility. See there is a lot of goodness going on all around. It’s happening when a child bearhugs a pet. It’s happening through random acts of charity and generosity. It’s happening when people put the needs of others above themselves. It’s happening all around, and we have the choice to tell the world about it. May we be brave enough to be bearers of this light and Good News when our world seems on edge, waiting for the worst. May we be God’s light shining bright.
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: Where do you see wonderful things happening? Do you find it easier to share the negative things of the world or the positive? Why is that so?
Daily Challenge: Today, post a picture or story on social media of someone you know doing a wonderful act of kindness. Maybe include a call to action for others to emulate.