Called to Shine
He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”
(Luke 8:25)
Special Congratulations to S4’s that have got results and are now celebrating and looking forward to A’ level; and special congratulations to those that have joined S1 after a 7 year primary race. It is a good opportunity to reflect on Education – what does it mean and what should it be like? Let me use one of the common school mottos: ‘Education is Light’. Today’s Gospel reading is a display of the power of God over creation and the light of God over darkness. Just like in the Capernaum synagogue people ‘were all amazed’ (Mk 1:27), even here ‘they marveled’ (Lk 8:28) – to show that the Power and Light that are from God are astoundingly greater and far more effective than that which is with us.
Education’s purpose is to increase knowledge and understanding, to enlighten, to bring revelation, and to bring wisdom. It is important for us to evaluate whether our education institutions today are achieving this purpose, which if expounded must include moral uprightness, self control, innovation, integrity and spiritual fervour. Apart from the challenges of inadequate school infrastructure and facilities (classrooms, laboratories, libraries, teaching materials, teaching space), as well as shortage of teachers and inadequate and late disbursement of funds from government, we should go further and check if the moral and spiritual upbringing of the students whose grades we celebrate. Has the greater light – the Light of Jesus Christ – shone on them? The Lord alone can inspire to a life of integrity and true wisdom. Only the light of Christ will dispel darkness of evil that so easily entangles.
We as Christians have been called to shine: ‘You are the light of the world’ (Matt 5:14). Education can charge us with something with which we can shine, but that is not enough light for this world today with its degeneration both moral and spiritual. Those who began education institutions in Africa and in other parts of the world in the recent centuries were missionaries who put God first and acknowledged Him as the source of wisdom. Without Him, we end up with knowledge that only ‘puffs up’ without building up the kingdom of God. As we pass Epiphany and head into a more contemplative Lent season, may the Lord challenge parents, church leaders and educators to aspire to shine with the true Light and Wisdom from the Lord Jesus Christ.
God bless you.