Erik Strunk
to the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the
Light, but came to testify to the Light.
- John 1:6
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John:
"What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by
the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft
robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then
did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes I tell you, and more than a
prophet. This is the one about whom it is written;
See, I am sending a messenger ahead of you who will
prepare the way before you. Truly I tell you, among those born of
women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist."
- John 11: 7-11
John the Baptist was sent by God and praised by Jesus yet he was not
the Light. As disciples of Jesus it is different for us. The way has
been paved and we are the Light.
"You are the Light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be
hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket but
on the lamp stand and gives light to all in the house. In the same way
let your light shine before others so that they may see your good
works and give glory to your Father in Heaven."
- John 5: 14-16
Light dispels all darkness, light reveals all things. Light provides
comfort, security and guidance. To be the light is to embody the
Christ within us and to let that light shine for all to see.
As Disciples of Jesus Christ we are charged with this awesome
responsibility. This is a responsibility which we accepted when we
were ordained...when we took up the cross.
Letting our light shine before others so that they may see our good
works is not a call to boastful pride rather it is a call to humble
service. We are not to call attention to ourselves or to our work
rather we must let our work speak for itself…giving credit to our
calling and the glory to Jesus Christ and to God our Father.
We are Disciples all ways and in all ways…every waking moment…in all
that we do. Those who see us as disciples look to us for the Light,
for guidance, for the Word of God.
We cannot let the darkness of the world dampen the light within us or
discourage us in any way. We are guardians of the light within us,
may we pray diligently that the Holy Spirit will keep the flame within
us from ever going out.
Our work and our words will not always be welcomed or accepted however
that should not be what we expect or what we seek. The privilege of
being called, being a Disciple of Jesus Christ is our reward and
should be enough to give us strength and enough to keep the light of
Christ burning in our soul.
Light gives warmth and comfort. I recall one bitterly cold morning, I
was out on the Boston common, the sky was clear and the Sun was
bright, I turned to the Sun – closed my eyes and let the light of the
sun envelop me, and some how it made me warm inside…we are called to
radiate a spiritual light which will provide a sense of peace, comfort
and warmth to all those whose path we cross.
There are many people who will cross our path each and every day,
people who are stressed, depressed and seeking the Light that only
comes from heaven, that Light is in you, is in me…we, the Disciples of
Jesus, have been called to let that light shine on the world so all
may come to know God the Father.
Become one with the Light that is within you!
"Brothers and Sisters: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all
circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in
Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic
utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every
kind of evil. May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may
you entirely, spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless for the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful
and he will also accomplish it."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Peace and Blessings!
†Bishop Clements, ODJC
"Always walk in the Eye of the Storm!"
Spiritual Director ~ Married~Life~Ministries
Web: www.marriedlifeministries.com
Office Ph: 978-767-0525
Presiding Bishop~ RCCINE ~ Web: www.rccine.org