Ephesians 5:8-14

Dear congregation, behind the fire on the tower there is said to have been a kind of reflector made of polished bronze. 

What is the function of reflectors? They do not shine themselves, but they are illuminated bodies that reflect the light and therefore become visible to us. 

I know people who act on their environment like reflectors, because they absorb other people's energies and moods and react to them in a very empathetic and sensitive way. Because they feel supported by Jesus and radiate this being carried to other people. 

People like her are a gift to the world. 

Lord Robert Baden Powell is the founder of the World Scout Movement and he held the first tent camp on Brownsea Iceland (Great Britain). With 22 boys from all social classes, he tried out his concept of a pedagogy of experience and responsibility for the individual and the group for the first time. After just a few years, it was divided into three age groups in order to create age-appropriate learning and experience spaces.

The Scouts are open to children and young people of all nationalities and faiths and their goal is to promote the development of young people so that they can take responsibility in society. To become like reflectors themselves, so to speak, who bring light into the world. 

The scout movement includes more than 60 million children and young people from 216 countries worldwide.

Salt of the earth and light of the world. A great claim. Do we always live up to this?  

Jesus, at any rate, trusts us to do it. He called his disciples the light of the world and inculcated in them not to put their light under a bushel, but on a lampstand. Accordingly, the symbolism of light runs through the entire New Testament. It is expressed particularly succinctly in Paul's letter to the congregation in Ephesus. It states:

Reading the Bible text 

In ancient times, the city of Ephesus was one of the largest in Asia Minor with its approximately 200,000 inhabitants. Thanks to its favourable location directly on the Aegean coast, it was the most important trading centre of the Mediterranean. Numerous temples testified not only to the prosperity of the city, but also to the religious life. The magnificent building in honor of the Roman goddess Artemis was also one of the seven wonders of the world. Christianity was also able to gain a foothold in Ephesus in the first century. The small congregation was colorfully mixed; it included Jews as well as former pagans. Especially in its early stages, the municipality was dependent on guidance and practical advice. For this purpose, Paul wrote his letter to her.

In the letter, the Apostle speaks plainly. 

"You used to be darkness," he notes. The Ephesians knew very well what he meant by that. In their vibrant port city, vice naturally flourished as well. 

Were Christians still allowed to participate in it after their baptism? Never, never, says Paul. There should be no lazy compromises, no relapse into previous practices and habits. "All things will be revealed!" warns the Apostle. In other words, avoid sin in every form, for nothing is hidden, everything comes to light!

That everything comes to light is an idea that can still impress people today. 

Not in a comforting sense, but with a raised index finger. If the good Lord sees that, then he punishes you. 

This planted an image of God in people that frightened them. 

There are things in life that you don't want to be brought to light. Everyone has the right to it, I think. Episodes where you made a fool of yourself or made mistakes. 

You can make people refuse if you threaten them to bring everything to light... 

To what extent the Ephesians were unsettled by Paul's warning is not known. But no doubt they realized what was really important to Paul. 

Not to frighten them, but to call them to freedom and joy. They should see themselves as children of light, imbued with the mercy and love of Christ. 

"Walk as children of light!" cries the apostle. A child of light is a person who, despite his imperfection, knows that he is accepted and loved. A person who does not remain fixed to his past, but has a future from God and towards Him. A new, Easter person, in the spirit of the early Christian baptismal liturgy: "Wake up, you who sleep, and rise from the dead, and Christ will enlighten you."

Reflecting the light of Christ is also what it is about for us. That we let ourselves be carried and guided by his love. 

The Apostle Paul names goodness, righteousness and truth as the fruits of light. These often do not show up in big moments, but rather in small moments. By remaining indulgent and patient even when it is difficult for us. By being willing to forgive the injustice done to us. By keeping an eye for the weak and needy. And by listening to the voice of our conscience and aligning our behavior with it.

The values of you scouts are very important: A scout is helpful and friendly. By caring for others, you are not only fulfilling the Scout Law, but also showing one of the best qualities of humanity. If you have a habit of caring for others, know that it will pay off. And they are always ready. Whether with or without uniform. At school, in the community, at work. 

Jesus trusts us to be the light of the world. But I know: I have nothing in me that shines. Jesus alone shines through me. To make God's love and guidance visible to others and to pass on what I have received. We are to be Christians of this kind, who reflect the light that falls on us from the Lord clearly, unclouded and unambiguously. So that you can clearly see where the light comes from. 

"The fruit of light is all goodness and righteousness and truth." Paul is right. And since it is not always clear what is just and true, the apostle adds: "Test what is pleasing to the Lord." 

This is a good guide for a life in the light. I wish that we become more people who carry and spread light within themselves. They have such a heartwarming and healing effect on others because they reflect the light of Jesus like a reflector. Jesus trusts us to live in His Spirit. Amen