4th of July, post family dinner and conversations were concluded.  For me, a nice, leisurely bike ride was in the offering.  Would have enjoyed a run, yet, as I have mentioned in a previous News From Nick reflection, my knees just won't co-operate nor sustain much of any running anymore.  So, a bike ride it was.  Douglas and our nephew Lyle were already out on the running path, while my sister Rita decided to stay home and relax and her husband, our brother-in-law Joe, who did most of the long-haul driving from Florida,understandably went to bed rather early.

It was already dark, mind you.  The nature path has no lighting and is rather winding and hilly.  No problem.  I've traversed this path many a time and familiarized myself with its character and features well enough to afford an evening ride.

And wouldn't you know it, the path was not as dark as I expected. Thousands upon thousands of lightning bugs buzzing about provided an illuminated trail.  Nature at its most accommodating and gracious.  And what a show those blessed bugs put on!  As if nature were not enough, pyrotechnics galore high above in the warm, July sky! Fireworks to the north and to the south, in the eastern sky and in the west.  Now I ask you, what kind of 4th of July celebration is that?  What a treat, indeed!

I would like to think -- certainly I do believe and trust -- that our God is the "grand provider" of all things, and also shares with us Light; a Light that illuminates the path for all humankind.  This Light is greater and more powerful than any other light conceivable.  This Light is Jesus, the Christ.    

Jesus' is the Light of the world and His brilliance outshines any and all other lights, period.

We are a blessed people, we who place our hope, faith and trust in Jesus the Redeemer.  Even more wonderfully, all the world's people are blessed and embraced by God, the creator of all living things and the provider of this eternal Light, this Jesus the Christ.  We are never disappointed because Jesus never fails to provide that which we need.  Granted, unlike those fireworks that lighted the dark, northwestern suburban sky, Jesus is not as "flashy" in how He interacts with us.  No.  Jesus presents Himself, more often that not, in subtle and gentle form.  Though Jesus also provides us strength and direction.   This sort of versatile, gift-giving requires a source that is strong enough to provide such gifts and Jesus, we all know, is certainly strong and compassionate enough to gently -- and if need be, forcefully -- move us to where we ought to be. 

Jesus knocked Saul off his horse and blinded him in order for him to 'see' the error of his way.  We don't need that sort of action displayed upon us, thank you, Good Lord.  We have each other to keep us accountable, to keep us focused and on the "path of righteousness."   Working together, collectively, we strive at  making our St. Nicholas a house of worship where all are truly welcomed, embraced and celebrated.  This is where our fireworks take place and the Light we bask in and gaze upon is the greatest Light of all.  And what showers down upon us is grace, peace and an unconditional love.  Again, my sisters and brothers, we are a blessed people.

-Manny

For an end to the violence in our communities, our cities and suburbs: that peace and love be planted firmly and permanently in the hearts and minds of all.