Smallville, the television show, is the origin story of one Clark Kent, the man destined to become Superman. Over the many seasons it has been on, it has shown us Clark the teenager growing into Clark the man and finally in this, its last season, it is showing us Clark as he takes the responsibility of being a hero to mankind.
In tonight’s episode, Clark asks his mother if he should do it. “Should I become this hero?” he asks. “Should I step into the light?”
Martha Kent’s kind face fills the screen. “Clark, you are the light,” she says.
It seems as though I’ve heard those words before.
Like just last Sunday in the Gospel reading. In Matthew 5:14 and 16. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
You are the light of the world.
Not everyone but you.
You.
We. Us. We are the light of the world and much like Clark Kent, we have a huge responsibility as that light.
We do not have Clark Kent’s superpowers.
But not to worry … we actually have something greater.
Directive from God Himself … to be good, to do good, to be a beacon of hope for this world.
And God’s directive is not just for Christians, but for the whole of humanity.
Step up.
Be a light in the darkness.
Nobody expects you to blaze like the sun. In fact, who would want that? The sun can scorch and sap the very life out of you.
But even the smallest light can make all the difference. I think back to the first time I saw a lightning bug on a cool summer night and how much joy I felt watching them dart in and out of light, first here and then way over there and then back again.
Even the smallest light can heal.
Be that light.
