Lent
April 11, 2019
Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar. –Psalm 118:26-27
Transparency is a word often tossed about in our world today. It is applied to personal relationships, business dealings, and governmental work. The desire is to be open and honest about the issues at hand to shine light on the dark places of our world. Transparency is very difficult to attain in the matrices of our lives. Relationships are complex and multi-layered in nature with as many interpretations as there are people viewing the situation.
Returning home from the Philharmonic recently through the series of neighborhoods between my house and the downtown area, I drove forward from a stop light crossing the intersection of a busy commercial area and entered into a half block of bars/restaurants and then a neighborhood. There was no natural light and no street lights. I suddenly realized movement not far in front of me and saw a white leg amid what I otherwise could not make out. I slowed nearly to a stop when I finally discerned a group of young adults crossing the street all in dark clothing. The one white leg I discerned was attached to a woman who was wearing shorts. I do not know what would have happened had she been wearing jeans or dark slacks. I stopped and watched them cross the street. They seemed to be having a good time apparently oblivious to my presence. Had I been the least bit distracted, I believe I could have hit them. A few well-placed street lights would have been helpful.
Our Psalm today indicates that God provides spiritual light for us in our complex world. Jesus proclaimed: ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12) He also stated in Matthew 5:14 that his followers are to be light to the world. Darkness is the metaphor for evil in ancient times that still holds sway today. We are called to live lives of transparent love for all God’s children and to shine light for others to see the benefits of living in and through God’s love.
Prayer: Lord, help us be the light of the world in your love. Amen.