VICAR'S LETTER
17
Sundon Road
Streatley
April, 2007
Dear
All
Christianity teaches us that there is something of God in each of us. We call it, very simply, 'The Light'. What God asks us to do is to let that light shine in our lives and in our world. Jesus shows us how. In his mission, he showed us how to make it shine. In his passion, he showed us how to keep it shining when the darkness closes in. At his resurrection he showed us what it is like when the light shines out in all its glory.
In his mission, Jesus showed us how to make the light shine. He did so by giving no thought to himself but living for God and for others He healed the sick, the lame, and the blind. He rescued the outcasts. He calmed the fearful. He urged people to be caring, forgiving, generous, and humble, and displayed those qualities himself
In his passion, Jesus showed us how to keep that light shining when the darkness closes in. In the face of bitterness, vindictiveness, and injustice, he maintained a quiet dignity. Nailed to the cross, he said, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' Hanging on the cross, mocked, reviled, and in excruciating pain, he showed gentle concern, committing his mother into the care of his best-loved disciple: 'Mother, behold your son; son, behold your mother.'
At the resurrection, Jesus showed us what happens when the light blazes forth in all its glory. The darkness of selfishness is totally banished. We see a man effortlessly at one with God, with others, with himself
The light that shone in Jesus also shines in us. It is visible in every good impulse and in every holy thought. What we are called to do is to live for God and for others and to drive back the darkness of selfishness so that the light may shine ever more brightly in ourselves and in our world until Jesus' prayer 'That they may all be one' is finally realised.
A very happy Easter.
All best wishes,
Roger