“Heart and Soul”
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you; that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all…if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…” John 1:5-7
A common definition of Light is: “electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye.” While that statement is true, if we reflect theologically on the meaning of ‘light’ the experience is much more comprehensive, a matter indeed of the heart and soul. How do we embrace the light in the midst of the darkness and witness to the Presence of our God in every circumstance?
There are, in this Lenten 2020 season, many dark shadows, as we in Canada, and indeed around the world, are dealing with COVID 19. We are closing down places of employment, worship, education, commerce and leisure. Regular and special gatherings, events and meetings have all been cancelled or postponed. Travel is restricted. Those who work in retail, the medical system, all essential services and first line responders are on the job, many separated from their families to help ‘flatten the curve’ of the progression of this pandemic. And yes, people are sick. There are immediate anxieties about running out of medicines or food and longer term worries about the financial implication for us personally, for our country and for the global economy. There is isolation, both in a physical sense and for all those who feel overwhelmed by these things.
The psalmist sings “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. Ps 119:105 We are not alone and the way ahead will be made clear, in the days and weeks to come. Stay in touch with one another, by telephone, e-mail and social media. Call people you haven’t talked to in a long time; call those you usually see every week. Take the initiative and be the one that helps bring the light of Christ, and the peace of God, into someone’s day.
An Irish Blessing on St. Patrick’s Day:
May the blessing of light be on you—
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire.