Nougat 13

In the midst of the storm, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are bearers of God’s Hope and Light. As we reflect on today’s Holy Nougat, may our hearts be rekindled by God’s Light.

““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Light of the World

Light is a game changer. It transforms obscurity into visibility, rendering new perspectives. Interestingly, Light was the first element of God’s created order. It was only after light was called into being that animals and plants were added.

What we sometimes forget is that God is the Source of Light. But in John’s Gospel we are told “The Word (Jesus) gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.” (‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬)‬‬. So we are not just speaking about sunshine, that naturally brightens the universe, or electricity that supplements the natural energy source to produce light. We are talking about The True Light that pierces every situation and offers life in fullness beyond our present existence. That Light is Jesus.

On a side note, we tend to anticipate danger where darkness seems to prevail. It is not surprising that the disciples expected to see a ghost coming towards them in the storm. It was dark, it was a treacherous storm and in the absence of visibility they had lost Hope. And without Hope, those disciples had nothing left.

To be defined as the world’s light is a serious honor. For it suggests that God has transferred some of Jesus’ gifts, graces and authority over to us. We have the capacity to offer God’s Hope to others, especially those who are struggling at sea, or who’ve lost their way.

Of course, we can’t guide others or help them to grow if we are unaware that we are carriers of The Light. And, like the moon, we are called to reflect The Light of the Son. For us to reflect The Light, we therefore must be in the presence of God’s Light. And that’s where our ongoing intentional time in God’s presence comes in. This is possible through prayer and reading God’s Word.

If we are the Light of the world, then it also means that we have been called to transform the darkened places in the world. We need not fear, since we carry God’s Light within. It may sometimes mean that we’re first responders in spiritual storms, tsunamis and even earthquakes. We seek the wounded, lost, hurt, despairing and lonely, offering the True Light of Hope.

Are we ready to go back in the boat, to venture out in the beyond so someone can find God’s Hope? Since we can’t be hidden, it is good to be God’s agent of transformation wherever we go.

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May all we seek be found in Christ