“For those who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” [John 3:20-21]
Have you ever met someone who just lights up a room when they walk in. Not in a limelight sort of way, but in a way that lightens the room and spirits of everyone. In the last couple of years, I have met several different people who do this naturally as their zest for their faith is contagious. The scripture for this coming weekend contains the most well-known verse of scripture, “For God so loved the world…” Unfortunately, this verse is often used to make our faith exclusive - believe or perish! Yet, if we keep reading, we are reminded that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. To save us from the death spiral of our own self-interest which often excludes everyone else. Jesus’ light raised up others, especially those excluded or ignored by those in power, whether by the church or the state. What’s interesting according to this passage is that we condemn ourselves. We choose darkness because the light exposes our true motives. Those who welcome the light do so with humility, focusing on raising up others with their light rather than themselves.
Prayer
Holy One, I admit I like the limelight. To be noticed. Yet, your light isn’t about the light I can draw to myself, but the light I can give to others. Amen.
