Hello friends,
This is Mark Lardman,
Also known as Brother Frederick James,
Your friendly neighbourhood monk-in-docs,
And welcome as we continue through Lent,
This end of our second week,
Reflecting on the I Am statements of Jesus,
And this week,
Our last reflection on Jesus' statement,
I Am the Light of the World.
As always,
I invite you to be still,
To take a deep breath in,
Slowly exhale,
Let go of any distractions,
Let go of any weight you may be carrying,
Settle into this moment,
Into stillness,
Into God's presence,
And as you do,
Hear these words of Jesus,
I am the light of the world,
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
But will have the light of life.
Then he turns to his followers,
To you and me,
And says,
As he is quoted in Matthew chapter 5,
You,
You are the light of the world.
Sit with the truth in those two statements from Jesus,
Just for a moment.
I am the light of the world,
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
But will have the light of life.
You are the light of the world.
Jesus,
The light of the world,
Places his light within us,
And so we are not just receivers of that light,
We are also called to be bearers of that light.
Think of a candle in a dark room,
One small flame is enough to push back the darkness,
It doesn't have to be big,
It just has to shine.
And this friend,
This simply is what it means to be the light of the world.
Not to be perfect,
It's not to have all of the chances,
But simply to reflect Christ's love in the ordinary moments of life.
One small flame,
Enough to push back the darkness,
It doesn't have to be big,
It just has to shine.
Where in your life is God calling you to shine?
Think about your family,
Your friendships,
Your workplace,
Your community.
Is there someone who needs encouragement?
Someone who needs patience or kindness?
A place where love could make all the difference?
Now consider your own heart.
Are there places in your life where you feel like your light is dim?
Where you feel weighed down by worry,
By busyness,
Perhaps even by doubt?
Jesus' light is not something we have to create on our own,
It is something we receive.
Like a moon reflecting the sun's light,
We reflect the love and presence of Christ.
You don't have to force it,
You only have to receive it,
To let it shine through you in simple,
Daily actions.
Close your eyes and imagine holding a small candle in your hands.
At first the flame flickers,
Small and delicate,
But as you cup your hands around it,
You notice how steady and warm it is.
Now imagine Jesus standing before you.
He reaches out,
Touching the flame,
And suddenly it grows brighter.
This is his light in you.
It doesn't burn out,
And it doesn't fade.
Whisper this prayer with me in your heart.
Jesus,
Let your light shine in me.
Where there is doubt,
Bring faith.
Where there is fear,
Bring peace.
Where there is anger,
Bring love.
Make me a reflection of your light in the world.
Amen.
Now imagine turning and offering your candle to someone else.
As their candle lights,
The darkness around you begins to fade even more.
This is what happens when we share Christ's love.
Light spreads,
Hope grows,
And the world is changed.
And so as you go forward from this moment,
May you always remember the light that is within you.
It's not small.
It's not insignificant.
You are the light of the world.
Wherever you go today,
May you shine with the love of Christ.
And may grace,
Peace,
And love be with you today and every day.
Until tomorrow,
May God continue to bless you as you journey through Lent.
Amen.
