“ Following the Light of the World ”

Dear People Fishers (…at least, that’s what Jesus promises to make us, as his followers),

 

Jesus is the light of the world, but the world is still dark. 

The darkness does not overcome the light, but at times, even for days …I wonder. 

And now in these glad epiphany days of light and revelation after the birth of Jesus, we will soon turn toward the season of Lent.  We are just celebrating the birth of Christ …and now our attention and focus turn toward his death.  …It doesn’t seem fair. 

 

Lent is a time—it seems—in which we may think we are preparing to observe the darkness winning.  Jesus, in his final days of living as a human being on earth, is arrested, beaten, mocked, and murdered; Jesus dies.  Lent is the season in which Christians prepare to observe these realities once again, to remind ourselves of the story, to be witnesses to God’s activity once again, to be able to tell the story that love wins.  But unlike Christmas, Easter, or Pentecost, it’s not a celebration. 

 

Lent is also a season for following Jesus. 

“When Jesus heard that John had been arrested ...he left Nazareth and ...began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”  (Matthew 4:12-17)

 

Grace, I suppose.  Jesus reminds us that repentance is the right reaction to the kingdom of heaven; and Lent is a season of penitence.  Following Jesus means turning toward God, turning our back to the ways of the world, and proclaiming what we know to be true—Jesus Christ is the light of the world and is walking on the road to the kingdom of heaven.  We know, following Jesus, leads us to God’s promised kingdom. 

 

Even when the world seems dark.  …Especially when the world seems dark. 

 

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday; this year, on February 18^th.  Lent lasts 40 days, ending on Easter.  We spend that time reading, praying, watching, and following.  And we witness that the darkness does not overcome the light. 

 

Love wins.  The light is a reminder.  Even when the darkness thinks it has the upper hand—even when we think the darkness has the upper hand! 

 

We are the light of the world, too.  

 

We are the light of the world,