March 9, 2010 - Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

Today's Reading: Ephesians 5:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 35:1-29; Mark 9:33-50

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the Light–for the fruit of the light is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” (Ephesians 5:8-9)

Happy Lent! In the name of Jesus. Amen. “Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.” The service of Evening Prayer begins that way, doesn’t it?

We sing back, “The Light no darkness can overcome.” Jesus is the Light that no darkness—not even death itself can overcome.

Darkness is against the Light. Where His Light is, there is no darkness. Where darkness is, there is no light. One is not in communion, in fellowship, with another.

St. Paul reminds you today: You were once in darkness. You were dead in your trespasses and sins. You were blind—spiritually and literally—to all that God has done, is doing, and will do for you. And nothing you could do could rescue you from it. Nothing you could say could allow you to talk your way out of it. You were darkness, not light.

Jesus is the Light of the world and your light, too. He has lit up your world by His holy life and His bitter sufferings and death that even you, who once lived in darkness shines with His Light.

Consider that again: Jesus’ light is so bright that you radiate it to others. You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Apart from the Lord, you aren’t even a little bit of light. If you put your eyes on you at all, you will only see the darkness of your failures and sins.

But He shines. He shines with the Light of the Only-Begotten of the Father. He shines—true God and true Man. He shines with the holiness and grace of Almighty God. He shines for us.

The Cross. That’s where we see His light shining. There, we see the grace of God, the truth and the righteousness of God. There on the Cross, we see Jesus being the Light of the World for us and for the world.

Yes, there was darkness in the world on Good Friday. But the darkness doesn’t overcome Him. It doesn’t snuff Him out. Yes, He died. But, overcome? No, after three days He shines forth, alive again. And all who believe in Him, who trust in His Name also shine in His light.

He delivers His light to you today in His gifts. You were baptized into His light. You are filled with His Words and forgiveness. You have been fed the very Body and Blood of the Light that no darkness can overcome.

If you’ve never sung Evening Prayer, ask your Pastor to start a service. There’s no better way to rejoice in the Light than to pray in it. Happy Lent. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflections for the Epiphany and Pre-Lent Seasons are written by the Rev. George Borghardt, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Conroe, TX and the Higher Things Conferences Executive. Comments may be sent to the author at the following address: revborghardt@higherthings.org

Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflections Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.

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