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Arise and shine!
Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the
Lord is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1).
Today, Godwin Zattey and I want to share with you the topic, “Arise
and Shine”. For such an occasion, we couldn’t have chosen
a more appropriate topic!
From the teachings of the New Church, “arising” means
“elevation to higher or interior things, consequently to the
things of spiritual life” (AC 5605). And “to shine”
means to be enlightened in Divine truths” (AE 412). How many
of us have very high hopes of this world becoming a better place?
Against the backdrop of what we read, see and hear from the media,
there is no doubt that lots of people are very pessimistic.
Can we “rise and shine” in the face of the global war
on terrorism? Can we “rise and shine” in the face of
scandalous sins? Can we “rise and shine” in the face
of human misery? Can we “rise and shine” when tried
and tested values are under constant assault? Can we “rise
and shine” when vices are indulged in with unbridled license?
The sheer catalogue of human failings that afflict the world is
enough to paralyze our determination to “rise and shine.”
As hopeless as some media images seem to suggest, today’s
function is an ample demonstration of our preparedness to “rise
and shine.” We have been equipped. We have been empowered.
We have been informed. Let the love and contemplation of the Lord’s
character and excellence lead us to imitate Him. And also to love
the Lord’s children, who are His works, and in our spheres
to be centers of good and blessing to all around us, as He, the
Lord, is to the whole universe.
Today, we are full of joy for having made a significant transition.
We are poised to “rise and shine,” and spring forward
with eagerness and youthful exuberance. Divine mercy gives us an
abundance of great delight and happy feelings. Family, friends and
well wishers rejoice with us. The veil of providence hides from
us the trials which yet lie before us, and we anticipate fulfilling
careers.
Here is a caution, though. Let us not for a moment assume that all
will be rosy. As we navigate through the storms of life, there will
come a time when hopeful ambition and vision will seem a little
more than an illusion.
In our interaction with people, we ourselves, and others with whom
we will socialize, will feel despondent. We should constantly remind
ourselves that heaven is our home. We were placed here to walk together
on our path to heaven. We should lend a helping hand when a weak
one stumbles. We should exhort the despairing. We should cheer the
weary. We should advise against perilous paths and dangerous foes.
We should rejoice together when we gain a glorious prospect. These
are some of the ways we can “rise and shine” in the
face of disenchantment.
As Godwin and I prepare to go back home, we rededicate ourselves
to the uses of the New Church. The New Church in Ghana will continue
to strive and give a new face to Christianity. Hopefully, this New
Christianity in Ghana will be outwardly expressive and inwardly
liberating. This New Christianity will provide adequate identity
of faith –truly Christian and truly African. The New Christianity
will respond appropriately to the existential needs of the African.
Fellow students, may your experiences in this institution inspire
you to live like the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in a genuine faith
throughout your lives. Let the very best that is within us overflow,
and meet and mingle with the very best of our friends and neighbors.
And thus, we will “rise and shine” to a new dawn. As
the opening text of this speech says:
Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory
of the Lord is risen upon you.
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