Shine the Light of Wellness – May 1

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96
Lev. 19:1-18; 1 Thess. 5:12-28; Matt. 6:19-24

Over the last week, I attended CREDO, a continuing education retreat for Episcopal clergy. The purpose of the gathering is for total wellness: physical, spiritual, financial, psychological, and vocational. The leadership team pays attention to every detail so that there are spaces for educational sessions, personal reflection time, small group conversations, daily worship, and invitations to professional consultations. And fun. After one week away, clergy can return home reinvigorated and with direction to reengage in our calls to serve God with the best that is within us.

CREDO 412 met at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, New Hampshire. I joined 30 clergy from across the country as we learned and laughed, shared healthy meals and hiked, and laughed some more. While it is consistently warm in Alabama at this time of the year, in New Hampshire it was solidly “sweater weather”. Below-freezing temperatures on multiple mornings rendered brisk steps during morning walks. I noted stark branches on trees and shrubs, not yet opening the buds of promise upon their shoots. And as the week progressed, the weather warmed and the sun shone brightly. Those buds of promise began blossoming. Sepia switches burst forth with yellow flowers. Lime-green leaves emerged tenderly on boughs. God brought about transformation and new growth in rural New Hampshire – to the flora and to those attending CREDO.

As I reflect with gratitude on the gift of an intentional wellness retreat, a piece of today’s reading from the gospel according to Matthew stands out particularly. Jesus offers the Sermon on the Mount, and this is a portion midway through: “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23)

Our eyes do often portray how we are doing. Someone with tired, watery eyes may be coming down with a cold. A person with squinted eyes, glaring at you or someone else, is angry. Bright, sparkly eyes indicate wholeness or playfulness. Maybe we avert eye contact with people when we are uncomfortable or sad – because we do not want to connect or communicate how we are.

I wonder why Jesus includes this piece of wisdom and observation in the Sermon on the Mount. He begins this chapter with how to pray – humbly and with decorum. He gives words to pray that we call the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus advises his audience to forgive others and they will be forgiven by God. When fasting, it is to be a choice of private devotion, not for public feedback. Then, he speaks about generous living. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” where things get used, consumed, and decay. “No one can serve two masters.” The lightness of our being – and how we display it – is sandwiched between the two.

I believe that generous and intentional interactions are rooted in how we share the Christ-light within ourselves. When we can get in touch with the core of God’s love, we beam with that brightness and pass it on. Sometimes our bodies and our lives have scars and wounds that dim that light. May healing and peace be upon you this day, so that you may shine with the hope of Christ.

In resurrection hope,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Reread this scripture from Matthew 6:19-24 and listen for how it resonates within you. How do you engage in eye contact with others? How will you share the light of God’s love in this world today?