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Today's Lenten Devotion
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The Light Dawns
There are many instances in the bible where Christ is referred to as the "light". ("The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. I am the light of the world. Put your trust in the light while you have it so that you may become sons of light. God is light in him there is no darkness")
This selection is from Isaiah 9:2
THE PEOPLE WALKING IN DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT; ON THOSE LIVING IN THE LAND OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH A LIGHT HAS DAWNED.
I remember as a little girl my mother had a hat that hung on a hook inside my bedroom door. It had a gold ornament on it in the shape of an eye and when the door closed part way and I was left in darkness, this "eye" loomed out at me and it frightened me but when my mother opened the door and the light came in fully I could see it was only her hat and I was no longer afraid.
When Jesus came into the world, a light dawned, removing all shadows and fears of darkness. He came as our savior to denounce all those things that frighten us. He gives us unconditional love and guidance through times of darkness and fills those times with the light of love. He also gives us light in the shadow of death. In Betty Eadie's near death experience she sees a great light and feels a great peace and warmth.
St. Francis and a companion were on a missionary journey and were overtaken by nightfall and pitch darkness. The road was dangerous because of the river and marshes, but St. Francis prayed "Father, pray that we may be kept safe from all danger. God has power to banish the darkness and give us light, if it pleases him in his kindness." The words were scarcely out of his mouth when a brilliant light shone about them with a heavenly radiance and they could see their way clearly and for quite a distance although it was dark everywhere else. By its guidance they found their way and were comforted in spirit and finished their journey safely, singing hymns of praise to God.
Lord, you went into the darkness so we would never be without light. To you be given all glory for the paths we can walk and the nights we can face because of your light (from "Walking Toward Easter" by Chris Ann Waters). Help us to remember, like St. Francis, to sing hymns of praise for the light that has come into the world. Amen
Ruth Walsh
EldercoolHT@aol.com
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