Through the Great Fast we are seeking to be further enlightened by Christ's Gospel, asking that the Light of our Lord penetrate our hearts more deeply so that we can recognize Him clearly and serve Him more fervently. We are on a journey to become transfigured and changed through prayer, fasting and humility, by responding to God's calling to not only receive the light but to 'become' light!
During each Lenten pre-sanctified liturgy, the priest comes through the royal doors and proclaims: "The Light of Christ enlightens everyone who comes into the world!" On that sacred evening of Pascha, the Priest steps through the royal doors into a darkened church inviting the faithful to Come Receive the Light! We are to receive Christ's Light into our life and self. We open a place in our hearts for Jesus, the savior of the world who transforms us from the inside out.
He who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. —John 8:12
Truly, the light that we are receiving is Jesus Himself. As we receive Jesus, we receive the light of the world and are given the opportunity to offer that brightness back to the world.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:14-16
God has strategically placed each star in the heavens and God has strategically placed you and me on the earth to bring light to those around us. The stars in the night sky praise God, so should God's people shine the light of Christ!
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. —Daniel 12:3
God is now personally calling us to come out of darkness and the bonds of any oppressive impulse. He is calling us to come out of mediocrity, boredom, and gloom, to be bathed in His love and light. You see, Jesus freely gives light and life to those who seek Him with sincere hearts.
Often, I hear people who are struggling with addictions and depression say, "I feel like I am in a big dark, deep hole and I can't climb out of this." Indeed, alone it is impossible. But through Christ all things are possible. We must never give up. There is always hope. The light of Christ is stronger than the darkest cloud over our soul!
The Transformative Power of Light
One of the greatest challenges of faith is to really and truly grasp what Jesus tells us about the power of light over darkness. Christ said, "I have come as light into the world so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness." (John 12:46)
Picture your co-worker, friend or neighbor watching you respond with kindness and compassion to others. Imagine how your calm words and actions demonstrate a peacemaking force. Imagine the way you treat your spouse, children and others becoming contagious because of your generous and positive spirit. Imagine how this might bring light to another as they begin to see the light shine out of you and it draws them in!
We are to become radiant and allow that flame, that warm love, that joy to ignite our hearts to become a light into this dark and broken world. So, practice looking for joy in life! Practice training the eyes to stop judgment and to see the good in others. Become a factory of good thoughts!
Taking Christ's Light Into The World
After the resurrection service of Holy Pascha, we will drive out of the parking lot of Holy Apostles with our paschal candle lit. It will be our decision whether or not we allow the light of Christ to shine as a beacon of hope to those we encounter in our job, home, neighborhood, classroom and community. Let the world see our light and come to know Jesus Christ through our example and witness.
Mother Teresa writes:
People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway.
There are no boundaries to God's love and light – Let us become that light and remember our calling as we sing "Christ is Risen!"
+ Fr. Tom
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
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