Encouragement

When was the last time you offered someone encouragement?

We do it a lot; a “good job!” to our kids, note of thanks for an act of kindness, the sermon cheerleaders whose ministry is to nod their heads mid-preaching God bless them!), an offering of advice to a graduating class.

We encourage folks we see and engage with, in ways that are meaningful, in ways that are momentous, in ways that are fleeting. The size of the encouragement is not as important as the act of encouraging.

I can think of some of the encouragements I’ve received in the past few weeks… a card and treat from friends following a fun discussion (that made me laugh out loud); a thumbs up after I challenged myself slightly beyond my comfort zone; a compliment on a sermon.

Encouragement feels good to receive, it also feels good to extend. It demonstrates community, connection, and acknowledgement of gifts.

And we are encouraged in the scriptures to do this. Consider Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians (an epistle intended to convey a message of hope); 5.11: “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”

The context of Paul’s message here is affirmingly positive, and it invites a bit more nuance when taken in context. For Paul is inviting the Thessalonians to build one another up in faith; as individuals, but also the building up and strengthening of the community of the faithful. They have been called to prayer, to worship, to share and grow in the promise of salvation.

Paul’s encouragement addresses that by strengthening the community’s faith, it provides additional support during trials and tribulations, which Paul knows to be inevitable. It grants individuals the security to know that they will be upheld when they stumble, just as they will provide assistance when another member falters. It means leaning on one another with trust and confidence, so that all may obtain the richness of the promise.

It's encouraging, then, the realise the gift we all have to continue this pattern and practice of encouragement. To pray for others and know that we are prayed for; to support one another as we are supported, to share in the mutuality of encouragement in the faith.

And, to be humble to identify when we have not been as encouraging as we might want to be – and to find ways to change that.

So again I ponder: when was the last time you offered someone encouragement? Praise God we can do it right now.

Let Your Light So Shine

Last Sunday we celebrated a baptism; a beautiful child receiving the sacrament that affirms the forgiveness of sins and membership in Christian community.

Part of the service involves the lighting of a candle from the paschal (or Christ) candle, being passed to the child (or one of the adults they brought with them), as we hear the words from the Sermon on the Mount: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5.16)

The ”same way” noted addresses the call to not hide the light, but to use the light for the benefit of the community: to guide, to illuminate, to proclaim the Good News, and to inspire others.

The symbolism of light is not uncommon throughout the scriptures; it is used in parables and teachings, and as a description of God’s presence. The light of Christ, the Light of the World, the light shines.

At the time of baptism, like at the Easter Vigil Exsultet, it is easy to celebrate the light, growing and giving, as it encourages our faith development. We have the choice, as our days continue, to return to that source of light and love.

That we have received the light does not mean it will always be spectacular; it means we will never be put into darkness. Some days may feel spiritually gloomy, and the light feels like a tealight in the corner. Other days are spiritually brilliant, and the light feels more luminous than the sun. And, of course, there are all the days and experiences in between.

And, we can encounter some folks who are unable to see the light; and those who reject it; one hopes they can return. Their light has not been removed, and we pray that they will once again turn to the light.
I invite us to ponder on our own experience of the Light of the World, shining in our lives. Have we used this light today? Do we seek to share our light and brighten another’s (recalling that our candles do not diminish when we light another candle)? Have we tended the lamp gifted to us? Who has shared their light with us, and to whom have we extended our light?

Whether your light today is flickering or strong, tiny or abundant, I hope you find joy and comfort in the assurance of that eternal light. And may your light shine, that others may see God through you.