10-21-2023

Good Morning All,

Matthew 5: 16; “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

       We attended a wedding a few years ago.  The bride was lovely, and the groom was dashing.  After the ceremony, we went to the reception center to wait.  We milled around a little and then we told to take our seats the bridal party was to arrive shortly.  As we waited, the lights went out and a klaxon sounding thing went off.  We thought it was a signal that the party had arrived.  Actually, it signaled that the electricity had failed and not just the center but a large area of the block.  So, we sat in the dark except that each table had four small votive candles on them. 

    It was funny how when we first sat down the votive candles were not that noticeable but when the power went out and it got dark; they suddenly appeared a whole lot brighter.  Any light in the darkness matters.  We couldn’t see across the room, but we could see across the table. 

    In many ways, this is how our faith works.  Our showing our faith, showing God’s love to those around us matters most when it seems the darkest.  When we look out at the world and wonder how we can ever make a difference in that pitch black hole, we can by being one small votive candle.  We might not change the world, but we can help one person, one time with God’s love.

   It might be that single parents a few houses down or it might be the elderly person across the street.  It might be your neighbor who lost his job or the high schooler whose parents are getting a divorce.  It might be anyone of a dozen people around you that God wants you to be a small light to.  We may not be able stop the pain, but we can alleviate it a little.  We may not be able to correct the wrong, but we can comfort the pain.  We may not be able to remove the pain completely, but we can offer soothing ointment for a little while.  When the world is at its darkest, even the smallest candle gives light.  Even the smallest act offers comfort and hope.

    The interesting thing is that as our light seems small, we tend to focus close by on what we can see close up.  Those neighbors who would have gone overlooked and now clearly seen.  Our expectations for something grand become real to us and matter to us deep in our heart.  So, when you see the darkness and the pain of the world all around; let your light shine no matter how small.  Start by praying for them and then praying with them and then whatever you can do.  Invite them to supper one day.  Be an ear that listens, a heart that is open and a spirit that is willing.  Be a light, even if it is a votive candle type of light but be a light in the dark world of pain.

Precious Jesus, you are the light of the world, and you shine through us.  Give us the courage to be lights in the darkness, to bring comfort to those in pain, a voice to the oppressed, and ear to the crying, an ointment to the bruised.  Guide us by your Spirit to make a difference in someone’s life today.  Use us to be your masks.  In your precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret