When you hear this reading from John, do you think of the same thing, the same man that I do? I’m sure you know whom I’m referring to…Rollen Frederick Stewart – Rock’n Rollen, the Rainbow Man. He was the guy during the 70’s and 80’s who could always be seen at a professional sporting event with the Rainbow Wig and the sign that simply stated John 3:16. It’s a shame he didn’t heed his own advice because he is currently serving 3 consecutive life sentences for kidnapping.
Today’s readings offer some great insight on courage, perseverance, obedience and that’s just in the first reading alone. We are also called to chose between living in the light and living in the darkness in John’s Gospel this morning…
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Is it time to replace the batteries in your flashlight? Need to buy a new candle? Is the fuel a little low in the lantern? We must commit to whatever it takes to make our light shine bright. Everything we do should be done in the light for everyone to witness; whatever we do in the light can’t be questioned because in the light is where the Truth is . Christ is the Light; Christ is the Truth.
If you need that proverbial battery for your flashlight, look to the Psalm to regenerate your commitment to do the works of the Lord…
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
When I hear these verses, my mind takes me to the line Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord.
Do something great for our Lord today – put on your rainbow wig, grab a homemade sign that simply states John 3:16 and post a picture of you on whatever social media you use. Remember that this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion – inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us so that in difficult moments, we may not despair nor become despondent but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 