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Blindness No More

Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning.  The old commandment is the word that you have heard.  And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.  

Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.  Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall.  Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Readings from 1 John are great and fitting reminders for us to mend our ways in 2019.  Today’s reading follows from yesterday’s about light and darkness, and God is light.  We just celebrated the birth of Christ and experienced the winter solstice.  “Darkness is passing away…the true light is already shining.”  Christ’s light shines on us; therefore, we cannot hate our brother, or sister.  If we do, then we are still in darkness, and Christmas had no real meaning for us – except for presents and parties.

Hatred is a feeling steeped in evil designs and is fostered by darkness and Satan – the devil many of us pretend doesn’t exist.  Satan covers our eyes to blind us.  Hatred does this by blinding us to the other point of view and our own guilt in creating hard feelings, dislike, and then hatred. 

Today’s U.S. and even worldwide political climate described in the media is mirrored in our social media exchanges.   Anger and vitriol, poisonous exchanges with abuse heaped on those with different poles-apart views cause blindness.  I’ll admit my vision is impaired.

Let’s embrace the light and avoid a fall, especially into despair.   We are a hopeful people.  Let’s remember that.  Let's walk before God in the light of life.

Deacon David Pierce

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