The Light for Our Journey

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 6:28 pm Post subject: The Light for Our Journey

The Light for Our Journey

Scripture:

Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. And the Gentiles shall walk in your light, and kings in the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to you: your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall rise up at your side. Then shall you see, and abound, and your heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to you, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and showing forth praise to the Lord.
(Isaiah 60:1-6)

If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me towards you: How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me. Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit: That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body: and co-partners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel.
(Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6)

When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying: Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him. And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: And you Bethlehem the land of Juda are not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of you shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; and sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him. Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
(Matthew 2:1-12)

Reflection:

As one year ends and another begins, we often reflect upon what was and what will be. It is a natural time to consider both an ending and a beginning.

For the year which has ended, we may review its lessons and assess its trials. We may review our failures and tribulations, pondering how to put them behind us and perhaps, prevent their recurrence. We may consider our successes and how we may continue or improve upon them.

For the year which is coming, we often look forward with hope that what will come of the time will be an improvement over the time which has ended. Tradition encourages us to make resolutions by which we may improve some facet of our lives and our hopes for success.

As we proceed through this natural reflection, we must consider to which expanse of time we are concerned. Our immediate future often leads us to change habits concerning health, work, learning, or some other form of personal performance with goals largely focused upon our worldly accomplishments. A more important reflection, though, are the adjustments we should make to our life, less for the short term, but for to what shall lead to our eternal place.

In our reflection, as we look back, we might ask of ourselves, what have we done and what have we failed to do as it influences our eternity? We might also ask, where have we failed and what may we do to prevent the recurrence of such failure? Where we believe we have done what is right and just, we should still ask, what enables us to act rightly in the eyes of God and how might we strengthen ourselves to continue with conviction to accomplish the purpose which God has for us?

Of course, such examination of our past and our future is not simply a matter of the end or beginning of a year, but it is an examination we should consider for each day. During the journey of our life, we will have setbacks and advances. We should not give up in the face of misfortune, trials, tribulations, and failures, rather, we should seek the Light and strength of the Lord by which to lead us to accomplish that which God desires of us.

As we prepare for each day, let us look to His Light. Let us ask Him to help us understand the gifts and talents He has placed within us and the purpose He desires that they shall be put so that His will may be done. Let us ask Him to lead us to the work He has for us and the understanding of the time in which He desires we accomplish it. Let us ask Him how we might work with and for others so we may help accomplish His will. Let us also ask for His protection against the disruptions, deceptions, and designs of the evil one; not only for our benefit, but also for the benefit of all who cross our path.

As we reflect, let us remember to give thanks for all the blessings He offers and the many wonderful ways He works within our lives. Let us lift up thanks and praise for His grace and mercy. Let us allow His wisdom to lead and guide us.

As we travel the journey of each day, let us look to follow His Light. Let us allow it to lead us to where we may receive the embrace of our Lord, where we may receive His forgiveness, where He shall cleanse us of our iniquities, and where we may wash our robes white in the blood of the Lamb so that we may follow Him into His kingdom where love is shared by all, where there is no pain or affliction, and where evil is not allowed to follow.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we seek God's Holy Light?

In what ways do we endeavor to share the blessings of God's Holy Light?

In what ways do we fight the darkness and bring His Light to those who surround us?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier