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Light


Today's view.  The guys from yesterday found me prime seating.   
It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. - Isaiah 49:6
A servant to raise up and restore? A light to the nations? Kind of a big responsibility. How do we do that when we sometimes struggle to be a light to our friends, our communities and our churches? 
God has come to be present in the midst of exile and hopelessness, to reveal God’s love, life, and goodness in the lives of plain, ordinary people. People like us. Like our neighbors. Like our co-workers and family members and friends. Maybe even our enemies.
Through us, the world will be made new.
In the grit and despair of Holy Week, remember that we know how the story ends.
We are called to be a light to the nations.

"We are called to be a light to the nations."  From the prompt, it seems like this is a grandiose idea.  I tend to disagree.  For me being "the light of the nations" is a simple task.  It means smiling at strangers in the street.  It means picking up a small, red, plastic pail for the mom on the beach with her arms full and kids in tow.  It means reminding the SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) that we are all one and equal.  As I sit on the beach and talk to my neighbors, I am rereading The Help by Jonathan Odell.  Polly Shine says, "'Listen to me.  I'll tell you what Freedom is... All Freedom is two words 'Yes' and 'No'".  Through us the world  will be new.  Two words, yes and no.  It's truly about treating everyone with love and kindness.  Today I was next to a wonderful Mexican family on he beach.  It was their holiday.  At first the mom was concerned as her children kicked up sand and let the toys breach my area.  With each apologetic smile, I smiled back with understanding.  It's the beach.  How can I be concerned about a little more sand or the plastic yellow fish that made an emergency landing in front of me?  I'm not sure that I was the "light to the nations", but I was the light to this mother trying to keep her children happy.  Maybe I was even the light to the old Mexican vendor carting his wears on the beach when I bought a rosary from him.  At first I ignored his solicitation, but then I eyed a rosary and thought it to be an OK purchase.  Even though I am not Catholic, I intend on attending Good Friday services at the local Catholic church;  Maybe I'll bring my rosary.  As I'm basking in the light of the sun, I hope to be a light to those around me.  Too much?  Perhaps.  I still think it's as simple as a smile or a kind word, and perhaps the understanding that we are all "equal" and in this together.

Sunset = Light




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