goodness are the true salvation of the world.
We know that the Lord loves each and every one of us, and that “because He cannot
do good to (us) directly, but only indirectly by means of other people, He therefore
breathes into people His love.” (True Christianity 457)
He came “a new light” into the world and we are charged to reflect and radiate
that light and love by the way we live our lives.
To teach Truth without Good is to walk as one who is blind, because Good is what
teaches and leads, and Truth is what is taught and led. Unless Truth is lighted up
by Good, or unless faith is lighted up by kindness, there is nothing but darkness.
(Arcana Coelestia 4844.4)
Our own small efforts – our own candles – may seem insignificant against the
menacing storm. But we need to have the trust that this is the Lord working
through us – to drive out the darkness, the hate and the violence – and to live
our lives with that hope and conviction.
We know it will not be easy because free will always allows people to
choose evil and to victimize innocents:
And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the
darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does
wicked things hates the light and does not come into the light, lest his works should
be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so it may be clearly
seen that his works have been carried out in God. (John 3:19-21)
This year’s Academy of the New Church Senior Class banner shows the way
with the motto, “Let your light so shine,” from the Sermon on the Mount:
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it
giveth light to all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
That is the light to drive out the darkness. Light your candle and be a beacon.
(BMH)
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