Darkness and Light

10-13-2024Pastor's LetterVery Rev. Richard C. Wilson, VF, Pastor

Dear Friends in Christ,

So, on Friday, October 6th, I was at the rectory eating my lunch. Still, without power, I had warmed some meatloaf, carrots, and potatoes in a pan (from a very generous and giving parishioner) along with some homemade bread and a tomato. Normally I do not eat meat on Fridays, but this was what I had, so I enjoyed it and did my penance later for eating meat on a Friday.

Then…I heard a strange noise. It was like a squawk. Then I realized what had happened: I had left the refrigerator open to air out….the power came on and the alarm sounded telling me to close the doors! What a great sound! What great joy to have power back after seven and a half days in the dark!

Darkness and light. We have all experienced darkness and light this past week, to one degree or the other. As I write this, many still are in the dark and do not have power. The Sacred Scriptures have a lot to say about darkness and light. Here are just a few examples:

Darkness in the Sacred Scriptures: “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth;” (I Jn 1:6)

“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” (Micah 7:8)

“the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” (Matt 4:16)

Light in the Sacred Scriptures:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (Is 60:1)

“ but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (I Jn 1:7) 

“for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light” (Eph 5:8)

So….we have been reminded that we don’t like to live in darkness! We seek the light; we want the light. Can you remember when you lived in spiritual darkness? What was that like? How long were you in it? Who helped you out of it? Have you thanked them? Do you pray for them? Is there someone that you are working and praying to bring out of the darkness?

May we walk as children of light!

All the best…in Christ.