Daily Meditation: June 18, 2021

by Leslie Christopher Martin on June 18, 2021

Let your light so shine before all people, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.

- Matthew 5:16


Jesus loves to use the metaphor of light. Light is good, holy, and happy. In contrast, darkness is bad, evil, and scary. Light illuminates darkness, and enables us to see clearly and find our way. We read throughout the Gospels how Christ is the true light that came into the world to conquer darkness.

I’ve always loved the Christmas Eve services when we sing Silent Night, beginning in a darkened Church, which slowly illuminates as we pass our candles and share our light. I’ve always marveled at how one tiny flicker of light can spread so quickly and brighten so much darkness.

We all know those people who light up a room with their presence alone. Our world here on earth lost one of those people last week with the passing of Fran McKendree. Growing up in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, I was involved with EYC and attended many Episcopal youth events across the south, often at Kanuga. Fran, a gifted singer and songwriter, was a constant worship leader at these events, with his guitar in hand and his gentle calming voice, often silly, always connecting with each person within earshot. He unconditionally shared joy, love, and light of Christ, and like the candle at Christmas Eve, his light spread like wildfire and brightened the world.

Musical Reflection - Let Your Light Shine - Fran McKendree


Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into the world with your light and love. Please help me to be the light to others, so that I may glorify you and brighten the world with your love. Amen.