The story is told of a pastor who asked the kids during a children’s sermon, “What is a saint?” A little girl looked up at the stained glass windows with pictures of Peter and John and said, “A saint is a person the sun shines through!”
We often call someone a saint due to their behavior, especially if it is extraordinary. No doubt, such people should be applauded and admired. But Paul uses the word differently. In many of his letters, he addresses the recipients as saints! Then, he goes on to rebuke their behavior and re-orient their theology. They clearly aren’t sinless or even exemplary parishioners. Yet he calls them saints because the light of Christ has shined on them, washed them clean in forgiveness, and left them spotless before the Lord. You are a saint by the grace of God through faith. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
The light of Christ shines through us. Even through our cracks of sin and mortality, God’s grace is all the brighter and clearer! When we are ashamed, His forgiveness is louder. When we are weak, His strength is stronger. So don’t be afraid of those cracks in your life. Rejoice instead at the love of God for sinners.
Jesus shines through us into the lives of others. Loved people love people. Forgiven people forgive people. So His church is the light of the world, for the world. Don’t think too big about the world. Reduce your world to the people right before you and beside you. They need Christ’s light. They need your compassion. They need your hope. They need your good work.
Especially this week. As half of America will be frantic about whoever is elected, Christ’s light still shines. The Kingdom of God is still here and coming. And we can be the light in the darkness and the calm in the storm. Remember, Christ’s light shines brightest through the cracks.
