John 12:44-50: Light
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Despite the tragedies we see taking place in the Middle East and elsewhere, we look for the smallest sparks of light the are present in the densest darkness.
We are made in God’s image in a glorious diversity of structure and personality. Today we hear the words of Jesus describing himself as Light to the World. In God’s image, we are called into life both individually and collectively to be that light as well. We have our instruction, it seems, and they are simple. We are made to be planted beside one another, warts and all, to agree on the Gospel story, to allow God to hone the rough edges from our exterior, and to open our hearts to the possibility of being Light and Hope and Love. There is no greater calling.
In our familiar creation story we are told of the gift of life itself. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26
The prophet Isaiah reminds us that we are named, loved and called. For the sake of Jacob, my servant, of Israel my chosen one, I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not. I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not, so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun men may know that there is none besides me. I am the Lord, there is no other. I form the light and create the darkness, I make well-being and create we; I, the Lord, do all these things. Isaiah 45:4-7
Paul writes to the Colossians and he writes to us. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. Colossians 1:12-18 Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself. Colossians 3:9-10
Christ himself calls us to set the world ablaze with our fervor for our mission in him. Jesus said to his disciples [to us], “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” Luke 12:49
And as we reflect, we pray.
We are created in light to bring light to the world. Let us never doubt the Creator’s strength and wisdom, and let us call on God for help when we feel the darkness too close around us.
We are made in God’s own image as sisters and brothers of Christ. Let us always rely on Jesus’ love and compassion when we are overcome by the worries of the world.
We are made in love to bring love to the world. Let us forever depend on the healing presence of the Spirit when we are wounded or betrayed.
May Jesus Christ be always our way, our truth, our life and our light. Amen.
When we use the scripture links to explore other translations of these verses, we encounter the wisdom and life, the truth and light we seek.
Adapted from a Favorite written on October 23, 2008.
For another reflection on the meaning of Christ’s light in the world’s darkness, click on the image of the universe above or visit: http://cribandcross.org/the-light-in-the-darkness/
Lighthouse image from: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/a-light-in-the-darkness/
The Noontimes 