I was reviewing the gospel reading from the Greek Orthodox lectionary for Sunday, July 13. It was from Matthew 5:14-19. It is familiar scripture that I have read and studied many times. The interesting thing about the scripture is that I can read the same ones over and over and they have a different impact on my understanding. While they stay the same, I'm changing in my life's circumstance and attitudes.
For some reason the words of Jesus resonated more dramatically for me this time as I read: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives a light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven."
The ringing of my cell phone interrupted my meditation on these comforting and encouraging words. On the line, I heard the unsteady voice of my friend Michael Huffington who called to tell me that his father Roy, the patriarch of the family had just died unexpectedly on one of his countless trips overseas. Words seem to lose their mitigating power when applied to the sting and mystery of death. It is sometimes enough to just be there quietly by the side of a grieving friend.
"Uncle Roy" as my family and I lovingly called him was an amazing man. He transcended time. In one form he was a pioneer John Wayne look-a-like who actually lived out in true life the roles Wayne played in the movies. Yet he was as contemporary and engaged in today as a youngster using an I-phone. He was one individual who was a genuine "light to the world". He was a lamp whose light was never hidden under a basket. In a culture beguiled by the desire for stardom and illusive fame, Roy Huffington was content to be a "lamp". He was never intoxicated with exaggerated ego or sense of self-importance.
Jesus Christ called him and us to be lamps unto the world, not stars. The power of the lamp is doing for others, not looking out for ourselves alone. It is the only way to turn up the candlepower in our own individual lamps. Our society needs more lamp Christians, not stars. Lamp Christians are those willing to burn brightly in the service of God, by serving our fellow human beings.
Uncle Roy's humility, even though he reached the pinnacle of worldly success, led him to spread the light of philanthropy and unadulterated kindness to so many around the world. His lamp shed considerable light on some darkened portion of a fellow-traveler's pathway. Roy Huffington knew that the source of that light was his Lord Jesus Christ, from whom all good and every perfect gift comes.
The psalmist reminds me that the eternal and unquenchable flame of scripture is always available to us for additional power. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). As disciples of Christ, we must be "lights of the world." We need only let our lamps shine that others may see and find the way, the truth and the life.
Beloved Uncle Roy, rest in peace now. You have given up your earthly passport and become a citizen of paradise. "Well done good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:21)
May your memory be eternal!