The Sunday Next before Lent

 

 

22nd February 2009 9:00am & 11:45am

 

 

Preacher: The Revd David Jackson

 

 

Readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9

 

 

When I was growing up in England I was not too far from Blackpool, a very well-known seaside resort. It is a place which like Hong Kong has trams which travel all the way along the seafront. The other thing for which Blackpool is famous is the annual illuminations which many people visit each autumn. The lights stretch the length of the promenade. A famous person is always called in to switch on and I am sure it is a big moment when the evening darkness is lit up.

 

A great scriptural theme is that of light and darkness. We have as Christians the greatest celebrity as the giver of light, God Himself. As we end the season of the Epiphany and turn towards Lent we thank God for the light of His revelation. We are told that we have been called out of darkness into His marvellous light. Through God’s grace and love we are able to build up a picture of what God is like and to learn more of Him who calls us constantly to greater love and deeper commitment.

 

Anglicans are very familiar with one of the evening prayers which begins “Lighten our darkness we beseech Thee O Lord “. This could be our prayer for this Lent as we realize the need for the light of the Lord to shine more brightly in our own lives, in our fellowships and churches and in our world. We are also familiar with our gospel story for today, commonly known as the Transfiguration. It is a story of light, a m mountain top experience for Jesus and his inner circle of disciples. It can teach us much every time we approach it.

 

 

We see Jesus as it were lit up, showing that He truly is different. The disciples saw him in dazzling white, a glimpse oft the resurrection; the voice of God Himself confirmed that Jesus was indeed His own Son; the presence of Moses and Elijah revealed Jesus as greater than the Law and the Prophets. Jesus is the Light of the World; the image of the invisible God... Is our picture of Jesus the right one as we enter Lent? One of the questions nowadays at Baptism is “Do you submit to Christ as Lord? “We should look at our willingness to obey this Lent

 

The New Testament tells us that as faithful people we shall one day share God’s glory. Therefore we get a glimpse in this passage of who we are. We are  children of God destined for resurrection too, following in our Masters’ footsteps. However we are only too aware of the darkness in our lives where we need the light to shine. At this time at the cathedral we are at the culmination of a stewardship campaign, which means assessing how we are responding to God’s love in our lives. It is never easy to admit the need for change, but as God has promised us so much we can only desire more of his light to chase away whatever darkness still lurks within us.

 

First could there be the darkness of a lack of faith? Sometimes prayer becomes a routine with little expectation of answers or we don’t pray at all; sometimes we forget God’s mighty power; sometimes we neglect our dependence on receiving the sacrament of bread and wine and on reflecting on our scriptures. This cathedral offers ample opportunity for a rich spiritual life, and we can ask that light shines there.

 

Could there be the darkness of lingering selfishness? We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves but isn’t that too difficult? The challenge is always there to care for those in need; we are aware of those who are ill, depressed, poor but sometimes we only have time for our own problems. Our cathedral offers ministry to all kinds of people and has a real interest in the welfare of all. Do we know what is happening and do we give all the support we can, both financially and in prayer? We are keen to see the light shining in dark places.

 

The transfiguration is a scene of immense joy as the presence of God is there. Do we sense an absence of true joy and vitality in our lives? Resurrection is all about new life and hope and confidence and sometimes perhaps we feel caught up in a dull routine. One of the most popular modern songs says “Shine, Jesus, shine” and we need to be restored to a feeling of excitement about being called into discipleship.

 

One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen was the sunrise over Africa on a flight some years ago. It is also wonderful to see a committed Christian who has allowed the light of Christ to permeate their heart and life.

 

We all know the story of little Oliver Twist, the boy who dared to ask for more. This Lent may we be like him and have the courage to ask God for more, more of His light and love so that we may give of ourselves to Him. The gospel of Matthew tells us “let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” May your keeping of Lent enable you to shine even more brightly for God’s kingdom.