FAITH MATTERS
Faith a cure to society’s descent into darkness
Bishop Gerard Bergie uses solar eclipse to provide an analogy to be applied to our spiritual life
By
Bishop Gerard Bergie
Contributing Columnist
Saturday, May 4, 2024
There is a poster appearing in public places in Toronto and online that has garnered some media attention. The poster reads: “The first annual Steal From Loblaws Day!”
It is scheduled to take place in a grocery store near you. Not to limit choice, nine other Loblaw-owned companies are also listed. Not surprisingly, there is no mention of who is sponsoring this ‘event’.
This is a sad testament to what is happening in our world. The malaise is so great among some they are willing to reject the basic principles that are foundational to a well-ordered society. There are universal principles that are not optional or open to personal interpretation. One of them comes directly from our God: ‘You shall not steal.’
So, what is the problem?
On April 8, we experienced a solar eclipse. It was a big event that also garnered a great deal of attention, especially in Niagara Region.
Despite the cloud cover, it was still awe inspiring as the moon slowly covered the sun until there was total darkness. This lasted for a little over three minutes until the light returned and gradually intensified.
According to the lunar calendar, we experienced a full moon on April 23. What is the difference between this event and the solar eclipse?
On April 8, the moon obstructed the sun; on April 23, the moon was reflecting the sun. We know that during the day, when the sun is blocked, the result is darkness. At night, when the sun is reflected, there is light.
By analogy, we can also take this natural phenomenon and apply it to the spiritual life.
Statistics tell us that there is a growing number of people in Canada who have no religious affiliation. A Pew Research Center poll from 2019 states that 67 per cent of Canadians believe it is not necessary to believe in God in order to be moral and have good values.
From a faith perspective I believe there is a correlation between rejecting God and greater civil unrest. With less light there is more darkness and disorder.
When immersed in darkness, we become disoriented and fearful. It is difficult to find our way.
Is this not a description of what the world is experiencing at this moment: war, poverty, homelessness, growing addictions, lack of civility and political unrest?
More and more people are finding themselves in desperate situations and looking for a way out.
Christians understand the imagery of light and darkness. Jesus states, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
He also says, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
In the spiritual life, we have a choice. We can either cover the ‘light of the world,’ or we can radiate that light. The challenge for those who follow Jesus is to let their light shine rather than to put it under a bushel basket.
To live the faith is to perform good works and to bring light into the world.
Stealing always leads to darkness no matter how we may try to justify our actions. We need an ‘enlightened’ response to the problems we face. Only then will the darkness be dispelled, and hope restored.