Thursday – 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Mark 4:21-25

Lights Out!!

The Road Less Traveled, Heiskell TN


My guess is the past week has not been kind to any of us, weather-wise.  And it’s not showing any sign of ending either!  Bitter cold, freezing rain and sleet, and multiple feet of snow in some places.  My brother in upstate New York has 16 inches of new snow this week and they have had measurable snow every day since Christmas. 

Here in Tennessee, it’s not so much the snow as the ice!  We only had a dusting of snow, but the freezing rain and ice has really shut everything down for days. There are no such things as straight-line roads down here – serpentine is a better description – ups and downs and tight curves.  It makes for treacherous driving for the brave of heart.  And yet, I have to admit it has been so much quieter around here!

But the real worry is loss of power – heavy ice weighing down power lines to the point of collapse.  And so we have been in prep mode since last Thursday – checking the gas grill (in case I have to make my coffee outdoors), assembling our cache of batteries, flashlights, candles, matches, extra blankets, hats and gloves, and then strategically placing them around the house. Not to mention running to Walmart and Aldi to stock up on supplies!  OMG, I have not seen grocery store shelves so completely empty since Covid.

All in all, it’s a stark reminder of how much we need and depend on LIGHT  and POWER in our lives!

Of course, in today’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking of the lamp/light of faith, not only keeping it lit but keeping it bright enough for all to see!  It is not merely a lamp of faith; it is the gift of faith, something to share with others, something for all to see and not something to hide away in fear. 

Winter storms are a good reminder of how much we depend on light and simple electric power to get through the day.  It is a reminder to us all that we are not alone, that we are protected and loved by our Creator and how much we depend on the light of faith.  But it is also a challenge for us to keep our faith burning brightly.

Be safe! Be warm!  Be bright!

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