By Canon Cate Edmonds
I came across a book recently entitled Awareness. The theme of the book was, as you can imagine, about awareness, particularly personal awareness. The discussion in the book featured on being aware of how we react to situations; how you feel within rather than how you externally reacted. Being aware of our own reactions to creation can lead us to deep reflections on how we are treating the environment and may, of course, move us to some form of action. For me, being aware of the changing colours of the fallen leaves I walk on enables me to reflect on the range of colours within the cycle of life. Life with its modes of brightness as well as darkness. Being aware that these leaves are not just a waste product or something which is an irritation or a nuisance to be cleared away but are an important part of our natural world.
Awareness as reflected upon in the book was regarded as a light to oneself and to others. Contemplating on this image of light, of course, reminded me of Jesus, the light of the World, and my thoughts travelled to “what did Jesus say about being aware?”. Jesus, in his teaching, invites us to be aware of God’s heart, our own hearts, and the hearts of those around us. An example can be seen in Matthew 7:5 “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Jesus was encouraging his listeners and us to practice intentional awareness.
Paul, in the concluding section of his first letter to the Corinthians, also implies that the members of the Church of God in Corinth must be aware; “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.” (16:13). Paul also, when writing to the beloved in Rome (Romans 12:3), encourages his readers to be aware of themselves and not hold themselves in too high a regard.
Awareness of ourselves and how we react to different situations can be helpful in maintaining a sense of personal peace. Awareness of how we appear to others is important for good relations and clear communications. Does awareness come easily to us, or is it something that we need to train ourselves to do? However, being aware of the spiritual as well as the physical may need some illumination.
The Psalmist writing in Psalm 16, encourages us to be aware of the Lord’s presence; “I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” V8
As we move towards Advent let us not only be more aware of ourselves internally and externally but let us be aware of the Lord’s presence with us. Aware of the light shining in the darkness of this present age, the light which never ceases, the light that guides, strengthens and comforts us.