4th Sunday of Lent March 22, 2020
John 9:1-41 “But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’” ~
Arlo Gutherie is credited with a song lyric that goes “You can’t have a light if you don’t have a dark to stick it in.” That line resonates spiritually and with my interests as a photographer.
This Lenten season, there is no shortage of darkness as we journey toward Easter. A virus, which teeters between definitions of living/non-living, has transformed our world and darkened our horizons. The displacement between dark and light is disorienting. The blind man in John 9 spent a lifetime in the darkness only to emerge into a lit world of suspicions, doubt, animosity and aggression as he sought the new normal. Our journey in the unexpected darkness has us floundering as we lose sight of so much that we hold dear.
Now a little Rock and Roll…. I’m too much of a copyright attorney to embed the music…
There’s a darkness living deep in my soul
I still got a purpose to serve
So let your light shine, deep into my home
God, don’t let me lose my nerve
Don’t let me lose my nerve –Santana, Put your Lights On
The image of the cross is one I made on Folly Beach. Like life, there were positives and negatives brought to the scene. There are personal symbols and items that reflect the joys and struggles of close friends. And yes, the unexpected “events” that the tide brings in are there as well. As we contemplate the darkness, we need to remind ourselves that our smallest of lights will travel great distances and be a beacon for others.
To paraphrase Tolkien, “May [we] be a light to [each other] in dark places, when all other lights go out.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien
Let’s keep our lights shining my friends.
Thank you for this uplifting, surprise gift, Ben! You are a true artist and a treasured friend!
Thanks so much for sharing, Ben. Beautiful words about being a light in the darkness of this virus stricken world in which we now find ourselves.
After the service, I’m thinking about how we’re all connected by those invisible strings of love. I’m trying to think of ways we can help our neighbors, church family and community. Trying to be lights of hope.
Thanks, Ben, for your sustained willingness to share your light. The way you see and minister in sharing your vision of God’s gifts embedded in light and darkness are healing! Greetings to your family and especially to your Mom!
Thank you, Ben. I love the imagery and the gift of vision that God has granted you to share.
Thank you, Ben, for sharing your thoughtful insight and faithful light during this dark time of uncertainty and isolation. What a wonderful reminder that we are truly not alone In this.
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.