Matthew 5:14
There is a wonderful principal in thermodynamics which explains that every “body”emits radiation. Humans, rather than emitting visible light, radiate infrared, which is also known as thermal radiation. Practically what this means is that when you sit next to somebody you literally give them warmth. It is the light that you cannot see that is being emitted from your body that does this whether you intend it or not. Your presence brings warmth to another. The more people you gather the greater the warmth that is shared.
For those who have the Spirit of Christ within them, the light of Christ is radiated to all those around them. So, if as a congregation we follow the way of Jesus in the world by feeding, by healing, by crossing boundaries, by sharing love, by standing up for others, we inevitably share the warm glow of Christ’s presence.
There are many different descriptions of Jesus as light, one of the most intriguing is “the Morningstar”. It is the planet we know as Venus. This is often the first light that appears in the eastern sky before sunrise.
This means that we pray that God will enable us to be the first light that brings those in the land of deep darkness hope for the days ahead.
At some level this happens as an institution, but even more it happens through your presence in the world. It is a tall task that Jesus asks of us. New York is a busy place and all too often the frenetic nature of life here shows on our face. What is to be done?
People will spend untold amounts of money to try to stay younger looking, to have that youthful glow. The glow is indeed captivating. But there is a more fundamental glow that God intends for us. You have seen it in people’s faces; it is the glow of compassion; the glow of love. And it is not something that isn’t found on your skin but it is a glow that comes from your heart. Indeed, it is the most beautiful thing to see.
But like a piece of wood that is not ignited, that barely emits any heat, so too do we fail to glow when we are not ignited by Christ’s presence. Thus, time spent in prayer in whatever form, be it walking in the park, reading scripture, listening to transcendent music or spending time with your pets; these can all ignite that spark. By the way it will also help us tremendously to not only exist but to thrive here in this amazing and wonderful city.
This is all to the end as Jesus remarked, “So let your light shine before others so they may give glory to your father in heaven.”
Amen.
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