Saturday Reflection – 22 January 2022

Saturday Reflection – 22 January 2022

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” St. Luke 1:78-79

Following the birth and presentation of John the Baptist in the temple, Zachariah the priest, who was also the John’s father, had regained his speech and was then filled with the Holy Spirit concerning God’s promise as fulfilled in the Messiah, and the great impact and transformation that would be effected on the world. Now, we have come out of the Christmas season, yet still are in the season of Epiphany. We find ourselves in a new year, yet still encumbered by the many challenges that we face as a society. There is still so much darkness in our world, a truth that we can all testify to seeing the vast increase in crime and violence, the raging pandemic and its societal effects, and the many other challenges of oppression and lawlessness; the topsy-turvy world that we can’t even recognize, that has left people wayward, depressed or even overcome in fear and anguish.

Yet still, in this season of Epiphany, the doctrinal text reminds us that by God’s mercy, the dawn will rise, giving light to those in darkness and despondency, leading us to the way of God’s peace. The light that would shine would be able to overpower the darkness, enlightening the way that leads us to eternal life. Where we think that there is no hope, that the world has gone mad with no way to return, Zachariah’s prophecy as fulfilled in Christ reminds us that there is still light in the darkness, and hope for renewal in our world. For the society then, having gone through exile, having returned but finding themselves under Roman oppression, this message would spark hope that this Messiah would fulfil God’s plan and bring salvation to the nations, restoring them in prominence, guiding them in peace, in the way of the kingdom that leads to eternal life.

For us, who have already celebrated the Messiah’s birth, and who know of his later crucifixion and resurrection have in front of us, the answer and remedy for our world. In our view, the prophecy of Zachariah is only a reminder that points to the cross of Calvary and the power of the resurrection that is able to transform lives and nations. That the teachings of the kingdom are made possible through Christ who saved us all. And because we are saved, we are then able to shine the light of Christ that is within us, by our lip and our life, that others may see Christ in us, and be led to Him, who is the light of the world.

This solution gives us hope that all is not lost; for we pray and know that God is still able, God’s hands are still on the steering wheel, and God’s intervention can still do for us, what we cannot do for ourselves. But as we pray, and allow God to lead, as His labourers in the vineyard, the Lord needs us, because we have come in contact with the Master, and can testify of this light; how the light of the world saved us, gives us sound direction, and in following, we have found hope, peace, joy, and love eternal. We are the Lord’s hands and feet, and as bearers of that light, we cannot cover it with a bushel. We cannot be content with just our hope being secured, and our way being lit. We’ve got to shine – by our time, talent, and treasure, by our lip and life, by “actively and enthusiastically spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Then will we see the change we desire, the prophecy being fulfilled in our day, the hope that we want to be born in our society, the renewal that needs to occur in our land. For if one light will ignite the other, soon the whole world will be lit.

Until next week, Christ tells us that if we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. As Christ enlightens us, and enables us by the power of Holy Spirit, may we then, recognizing the transforming power of that light within us, shine, so that lives are transformed, our society is renewed, and God is glorified. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair