For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6
Marcus Borg describes the light of Christ as a change of consciousness, a new understanding of the world and the place of humans within it. In other words the light of Christ illuminates anew our relationship with God. What are we here for? What is important? The light of Christ shines into the darkest corners of our understanding and lights our way home to the knowledge of the glory of God.
Standing in the light of Christ is not often something we do with our heads. Instead we live out this perspective through our natural impulse to love God and one another. We might say from the point of view of our minds, “I don’t believe in God, and I certainly don’t know what to do to get closer to this elusive construct.” But our hearts already rest in God, God the living Presence who defies definition.
Our hearts are just waiting for the rest of us to catch up. “Oh, who cares about what you think,” they tell us. “Don’t you feel awe? And don’t you feel compassion? Let the beauty of this planet catch you up in wonder. Act towards others out of love; walk with them. Let people teach you. Let your own Soul teach you. Relax into awareness. God is right here.”
The light of Christ is love. As we move into love we move into God. As you go out into the world today, remember to listen to where you are drawn through your compassion. Let Jesus Christ be alive within you, shining from your heart into the dark places of the world.
Laurie Gudim is a writer, religious iconographer, and spiritual director living in Ft. Collins, CO. To get to know her a little better visit everydaymysteries.com.