"Be the Light"

"You are the Light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

Matthew 5: 14-16

There has been a great anticipation,and excitement, these past few weeks even months, over a rare celestial event...the total eclipse of the sun. People all over the world, have been making plans, travel arrangements and accommodations, to the areas of the world, that are in the path of the best view of the total eclipse. As I was listening to all the news coverage, I began to think how this event is also a sign of what is also happening spiritually in the world. Just as the world is fascinated, even obsessed with the light of the world being eclipsed, there is also a more sinister obsession with the eclipsing of the True Light of the world, Jesus Christ, and His Gospel.

The word eclipse has dual meaning,according to Merriam-Webster. The first, in the physical, and most common use, means "the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another", for example the event happening today, April 8. The second, less commonly used definition, implies "a falling into obscurity or decline". It's this definition, that describes the spiritual condition of the Church, and by default, the world. The Church has been given a commission, to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature".

That same section in Mark 16, states "and these signs shall follow them who believe", casting out of demon spirits, speaking with new tongues, taking up serpents( refers to Spiritual Authority, not reptiles), "if" they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them( Divine protection in incidental, not self intentional occurrences.), lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. All done "in His Name". His Authority given to the Church, those who believe, because of His Finished work on the Cross. There are many, in the Church who, not only believe , but also promote, that the Lord doesn't work that way anymore. Jesus is the same past, present and future. His method is still the same, signs following, attesting to the Power of the Gospel. So,if we're not "seeing the signs" the problem isn't the Source, it's in our vision.

Our view of the Light is eclipsed, or obscured, by something impairing our view. In today's event, the moon obscures the sun, during which time, meteorologists say the air temp will decline by as much as 5-10 degrees. Our spiritual view is impaired by sin, and the spiritual climate has been changed. Sin prevents us from experiencing the Fullness of His Glory. The Church, by and large, has been influenced moreso, by the world, than influencing the world. We are all guilty of this to some degree. Our Faith needs to be exercised, in order to grow and be strengthened, otherwise it will atrophy or progressively decline. Our gifts and talents also. The sin could be as subtle as the busyness of life, eclipsing the plans and purposes of God in our lives. The enemy dwells in the subtleties of life, waiting in the shadows to undermine our Faith. But, God's Grace abounds, that we may abound,in every good work, by Faith.

George H.W. Bush at the end of his 1988 inauguration speech, spoke of "a thousand points of light", speaking of, and encouraging, organizations and individuals, to work together for a better America. Jesus said, "You are the Light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid", we are not the source of Light, but a reflection of Him. It is my hope that all of us, the Church, individually and collectively , can reach this world that desperately needs the Light of the Gospel. How, by praying for them, and given the opportunity, with them, sharing the Message of the Cross, showing our good works, that they would glorify our Father in Heaven. To a world that is fascinated with darkness..."be the Light".