I have an old t-shirt with a glow in the dark caption: Be
the Moon – Reflect the Son. For no predetermined reason, I grabbed this
t-shirt to wear today. As I was sitting in quiet prayer reflecting on the
scriptures for the 4th Sunday of Lent I had to chuckle to myself, as this t-shirt
could be the caption for this weekend. The story of the man born blind (John 9.1-41) and his
witness of Christ Jesus speaks to being a bearer of light now matter the circumstances
or persecutions. The man born blind was open to the light and choose to reflect
the Son by being a witness to truth, to life and to transformation.
We are reminded of this theme in Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (5.8-14) as he states we are to live as “children of light” (Ephesians 5.8). If we reflect the Son, we
are lights shining in the darkness around us. In offering hope where it is
needed most, not just in words and prayers but in actions and choices which
allow all people to be reflectors.
There is a quote by Marianne Williamson which is stuck in my
head as I wear this t-shirt today and ponder scripture. She said, “Our deepest
fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness
that most frightens us.” The power of being light bearers is life-changing and
truly amazing. Why are we afraid to reflect the Son? Is it because our true selves,
which we hide, will shine through? Or our actions and choices will be found “good
and right and true” (Ephesians 5.9)? Or that the power
we carry will call us to bigger and brighter things – both in times of trial
and times of rejoicing?
That’s what I’m left pondering today, all because of a crazy
glow in the dark t-shirt I bought long ago. The message of the t-shirt when I
bought it many years ago and still today is what I strive to do.
Still the Light Remains
In worry and concern…
When frustrated and short-tempered…
During chaos and upheaval…
Still the
Light Remains
In the darkness here…
In the darkness I create…
In the darkness we contribute to…
Still the
Light Remains
When the burdens are too heavy…
When I fail to see others…
When we deny the light within...
Still the
Light Remains
During the walking through the muck…
During the times I don’t radiate…
During the trials we face as a human family…
Still the
Light Remains
We are light because Jesus who was born as the Light of the
World remains us. We often forget this, as we often fear this light which is
entrusted to us, instead of letting it shine. In our blindness, he restores our
sight. In our brokenness he shines through the cracks. In our backwards glances
he calls us forth to new life.
We are light, and this we should not fear, for we are “children
of light” called to what is “good and right and true.” The source of all light lives
and moves and breathes through us today and each day – good days, bad, days or
other wise.
We are sent forth to shine, to awake and rise up, to be
light in our world today. Not an easy task, but one we are equipped for because
still the Light remains. Always.
How will you be the moon this week? How will you reflect the Son?
How can you let go of fear and shine?
How will you be light in these days of self-isolating,
restrictions,
and social distancing?
How can you be like the moon and reflect the Son?
God’s unfailing light to surround and bless you this Lenten week.
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