Living in the Light

Whoever loves a brother or sister* lives in the light, and in such a person* there is no cause for stumbling. 1 John 2. 1 - 11

Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, Franciscan monk and well known contemplative has often said,

"Throughout all these years I’ve tried to pass my words through three gates:

Is it true?

Is it loving?

Is it necessary?

Because we must be sustained by a sense of what we are for, and not just what we are against."

These are wise words for those of us who offer our thoughts to the public, and I often wonder if I am living up to them. The passage appointed for today from 1 John reminds me that our words and our actions are "in the light" when they are said and done with love. At the beginning of the passage we are reminded that when we do sin, when we do walk in darkness, we have an advocate with the Father and as the KJV says, "he is the propitiation for our sins!"

But the passage ends emphasizing the danger of darkness of heart and the blindness that accompanies it.

"But whoever hates another believer* is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness."

Thank you, Father Richard, for the reminder to check my heart and my words to ensure they are based on love...that they are true, loving and necessary. May God protect us from the darkness that blinds.