Reflecting the Light

A Reflection for Saturday, March 14 by Ruth Zschoche

Lectionary reading for 03/14/2026: Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 15:32-34; John 1:1-9;

Selected passage for reflection: John 1:1-9 

Read

John 1:1-9 New Living Translation

In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.² He existed in the beginning with God. ³ God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. ⁴ The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

⁶ God sent a man, John the Baptist, ⁷ to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. ⁸ John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. ⁹ The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

Reflect

I have been reflecting on this passage recently. In John 1, I read about the Word. This Word existed in the beginning. This Word was with God. This Word was God. Who is this Word who was from the beginning and through whom all was created? It is Jesus, the Son of God. Nothing was created except through Him! This Word is named the Light! 

The Scripture goes on to tell me about John the Baptist, who himself was not the Light but came to tell everyone about the Light.

My husband retired recently, and now we are traveling a lot! In fact, I am writing this from a ship in the middle of the Tasman Ocean near Tauranga, New Zealand. As I have thought about travel and how it is impacting my “ministry”, I have at times felt that being gone would mean I wasn’t able to continue in ministry. But that is a very faulty and narrow conception of ministry. I am reminded that I am not the light. I am a reflection of the Light! John 1:8 says that John himself wasn’t the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 

When I began to shift my perspective about ministry from a job to being called to reflect the light, I started seeing the people around me as a part of my calling. I have had so many special conversations with people from around the world, people I would never have met and spoken with if I had stayed home thinking I needed to “do” ministry in that single space. The world is open to me. I am reflecting the Light to many people who work quietly in the background, who are often unseen and unknown. 

John spoke loudly, shouting to the crowds. I am not shouting; I am just daily praying that I am reflecting the light to those around me.

Respond 

Recently, in a Lectio 365 morning devotion, I was challenged by the following question and prayer. “With every person I meet, would you show me something you particularly value in them? Give me an opportunity to encourage them, serve them, or promote their interests.”

How about you? How are you a reflection of the Light in your daily life, regardless of where you are or what you are doing? How might you use this question and prayer as you go about your day? At the end of the day, as you reflect on your day, possibly with an examen, write down the person/s to whom you reflected the Light. Then keep them in your prayers through the coming days and weeks.

Rest 

Lord, today, please help me be a reflection of your light. Open my eyes to see those who may be missed by others. Draw me into conversation, so I may reflect your love and care. May Your Light in me be an opportunity to encourage, serve, or just give an extra touch of love.

About the Author 

Ruth loves her calling as a Spiritual Director. She delights in holding space and walking alongside those who are listening for God’s movement in their lives. She is mom to one son, a daughter-in-love, and Omi to two beautiful granddaughters. She loves to travel with her husband, who recently retired. She enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, reading, playing the piano, and praising God wherever she is in the world, but loves living in the beautiful Colorado mountains.