December 31st - Reflection

John 8:12-19 (NRSV)
I am the light
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Then the Pharisees said to him, "You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid." Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf." Then they said to him, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
Reflection
This whole light and life wording from this passage brings back memories of a dream I once had. Sometimes I wonder if dreams don't come and go some for the silliness of events past that combine in strange ways or events that bring some meaning to thoughts.

This dream was of many people in my life past, present and I guess future, because I didn't know them. We all were in a dark place together carrying our baptismal candles. We had the light of our candle to lead us in the darkness, yet the true light was not complete. We would walk and bump into one another, greet a while and go on our way. Then, I remember Pastor Klafter, who had passed away at some time recently, saw a greater light. It was as if a huge light opened up in the darkness of the world the rest of us were in and Pastor Klafter ran towards that Light motioning the rest of us to follow him. Pastor Klafter was pointing towards the Light with one hand as his other hand carried his baptismal candle. He entered the great Light and disappeared. The rest of us walked toward that great Light but couldn't quite get there. In amazement we continued to follow the light of our baptismal candles.

I think somehow each of us will some day be lead by our baptismal candles and the Light in this dark place will lead us to that great Light. We too, one day will point the way and others will follow. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, let your Light lead me this day that I may point to your way and your glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen