By: William M. Johnson
There is a saying that goes something like this: “preach the Gospel, use
words only when necessary.” The Gospel was preached recently in my
office and not a word was uttered. Practicing the wise words of the
superb poet, Mary Oliver, I was paying attention and the Gospel was
revealed.
I have a beautiful green plant in my office and I try to remember to
water it in an appropriately timely fashion. When I fail, it begins to wilt,
but once watered it lifts it limbs with refreshed vigor.
Knowing I was going to be gone for some time to visit my mother, I
watered the plant before I left. Much to my dismay, when I returned
it was wilted terribly. I watered it, yet the next day it was still wilted.
What to do? Slowly it dawned on me. It had been in the dark for
almost a week, suffering light deprivation.
So on that Saturday afternoon, I turned my lights on in the office,
closed my blinds as night was falling and left the lights on throughout
the night hours. Sunday morning I arrived early and at first wondered
why the lights were on in my office. Then I remembered and
tentatively unlocked my door. To my great delight the plant was alive
and alert, standing tall as if reaching up for the light.
In his letters, John tells us that God is light and in John’s gospel account,
Jesus is called the light of the world. Jesus also is known as the living
water, and he offers water that can truly quench our thirst and refresh
our being.
In this Lenten journey to the cross, we long for the Light of life and
the living Water. The mystery and majesty of the Gospel can come in
unexpected ways among us. Pay attention.