Light Up The Darkness

“Teach us, Lord Jesus, to be kind and merciful when those around us are not. Teach us your goodness, shining in the darkness. Teach us your humility, putting others before ourselves. Teach us not to count the cost, and teach us always to be faithful to you.”

This is the February Christ Church Cathedral community prayer. It was written by the Reverend Bob Horine and first used at the Cathedral in 2009. Father Hornine penned a wealth of these prayers during his time at the Cathedral, and we rotate between them month in and month out, year in and year out.

This prayer really spoke to me, especially “Teach us your goodness, shining in the darkness.” This echoes John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” What is the light? The Gospel of John explains that the light is Jesus Christ, and it is Christ who is the light of all people.

Two of the many brightly shining lights at the Cathedral are our ministries for children and youth. It is sometimes said that children and youth are the future, but I suggest that children and youth are our present! In this Lenten season of reflection, we are working with Ministry Architects as we further strengthen the light of our children and youth ministries. If you have children or youth involved in anything at the Cathedral, or if you teach Sunday school, help with our youth groups or choirs, please sign up for the “listening” sessions March 3, 4 and 5. All are invited to join us on Sunday, March 6 at 4 p.m. as Ministry Architects enlightens us with their results and recommendations.

During Lent, I invite each of you to pray and meditate on how the light of Christ shines through you. I also invite you to ponder how the light of Christ shines through all of us together as Christ Church Cathedral and through our many ministries. Try to imagine what it looks like from other people’s perspectives as they see the light of Christ in you and also in this gathered community of faith. What does our light mean to those we encounter, to the community, and to the world? How does our light make a difference? What would happen if our light shone brighter? 

May you have a holy Lent.

The Reverend Brent Owens+