The Holy Prophet Hosea (8th c. BC); the Venerable-Martyr Andrew of Crete (767)
Philippians 2:12-16; Luke 6:24-30
Read Philippians 2:12-16
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Whether they be the colourful lights on the roof edges of our homes in the darkness of the winter, or the small blinking lights on a family Christmas tree, or the amberized street lights that make a windy autumnal evening stroll more mysterious than ever imagined, or the fierce and innocent light from a summer bonfire in the reach of nearby patio lanterns that are like stars in the sky, I think we would all admit that we really like light, any light, that shines in the darkness. That type of light not only reveals what is in darkness but also acts as a point in space which can direct us, even lead us to our heart’s desire.
Have you ever thought of the people whom you have met in your life who have been a light in the darkness? They have brought into our lives joy, hope, love, faith, stability, clarity… and the list goes on. Have you ever considered that YOU are being asked to be a light to others?
There is no doubt that Jesus is the light of the world. He has also called us to be light to this present world.
“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12).
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:14-16).
As St. Paul exhorted the Christians in Philippi to strive for holiness and be a light to the world through the Lord working in us, so, too, we are called to this same path. It is the Lord who is Light for us who makes us light for this present world. How does that happen?
We need to lay aside the grumbling and questioning. This is not the simple under-our-breath murmurings that are a result of our thoughtlessness. This grumbling is understood as the rebellious questioning of God’s goodness. In moments of hardship and despair, we can be tempted to rebel against the Lord and argue with Him – if You loved me then this (name your event, mishappening, etc.) would never have happened. Disputing with the Lord never works. Why? Because it is us taking the place of the Lord. The path to being light to others in the darkness is meekness. What is meekness? St Clement of Alexandria gives it to us straight:
“And because [Jesus] brought all things to bear on the discipline of the soul, He said, Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth [Mt. 5:5]. And the meek are those who have quelled the battle of unbelief in the soul, the battle of wrath, and lust, and the other forms that are subject to them” (Stromata, Book IV).
The Lord in in charge; He is always present and leading us.