Rev William Morton: People need the light of Jesus Christ in these dark times

In Jesus’ life and ministry we see His concern about people’s lives and welfare; how He was, and is, always willing to forgive and heal, always ready to offer a new start with new possibilities opening before us.

There has never been a time that we need to be reminded of the Lord’s presence with us than in these stressful days. Day and daily we hear of more deaths. Many of them are due to the Covid-19 virus, and let us never forget the magnitude of that death toll and the sheer number of families left to mourn their passing.

It is important, however, to remember also those who have died as a result of other conditions, and those whose treatment, or surgical procedures, or appointments, have been delayed due to intense pressure on the health service.

There are those as well who suffer from depression, and anxiety, remembering also those whose livelihoods have been wiped out, those who are forced to face whatever lies ahead for them with little or no hope. We need to remind ourselves that we are not alone. Jesus, on whom today’s gospel reading focuses resoundingly, has promised to be with us. He shared our earthly life; He was one of us.

The celebrated 19th century Londonderry hymn writer, Cecil Frances Alexander, expressed it so beautifully: “And He feeleth for our sadness, and He shareth in our sadness.” He is our light in this dark world of fear and uncertainty.

No darkness in our lives can overcome that light. Sometimes, however, it does seem as if the darkness is all there is. That is why there is such an urgent need to help provide for people the light and the hope of the vaccine. That way, people will find the light of Christ in the darkness all around us – in the tragedies and disasters we hear about daily both at home, and in lands afar. Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, would, I believe, wish for nothing more than his light and hope to shatter and overcome the darkness and tragedy of so many in need of hope and healing.

Will you help bring that light to someone today? The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will never overcome it.