A great light
There are many sources of light in our personal worlds. From the sun to a “happy” light to the bulbs that light up our kitchen, light is all around us. So why on earth would I choose to preach about light? The answer is, as it so often is, the lectionary. The lectionary texts both explicitly and implicitly talk about light.
When Paul got knocked off his horse, there was a great light. When Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration, there was a great light. The magi followed a light to the birthplace of Jesus. But, as my homiletics professors used to say, “So what?” I admit I sometimes found the question irritating when I was in class, but that was because I didn’t have an answer. What he was pushing his students to do was to preach toward something, preferably something of value. The “so what” I came up with was; we are light.
Maybe that seems like a bold statement, but I don’t think it is. Rather, I think it is a statement I am sometimes afraid to own. [I am making a concerted effort to speak for other people, so this may be your experience too but that is your story to tell, not mine.] I am afraid of the responsibility, but that misses the point. If I am supposed to bring light to wherever I am . . . I’m doing that already. I bring the light with me because it isn’t something I can turn off and on whenever I feel like it. My responsibility is not to create light but to be aware of the light I bring and shine it where it is most needed.
Have I, or you, ever sat with someone who was sick, or even dying? Yes, and I brought light. Have I, or you, ever silently sat with a grieving person? Yes, and I brought light. The light was there regardless of what I did or said, even when I didn’t do anything or say anything. I have the light in me, you have the light in you, because the light came with the Christ who is in me and you and all things.
As always, let me know what you think as you are able and inclined.
“A great light” St. Mark’s Presbyterian (to download, right-click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Blessings,
