Turning to the light
by Kathy Matuschka
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Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).
Read Psalm 51:1–12
Our focus this week has been on light and darkness. Although the actual words do not appear in Psalm 51, the imagery of light and darkness seems palpable.
The author of the psalm uses cleansing imagery to indicate the complete renewal of the soul. Verse 7 refers to the ritual cleansing of hyssop and washing that leaves one ‘whiter than snow’ – the cleanest of clean (‘Omo-white’, for those who recall that commercial).
White reflects colour completely. An expanse of snow reflecting the sunlight overcomes winter darkness, even on an overcast day. (If you’re reading this in Australia, you may relate more easily to the reflection of light on water than to reflection from snow.)
Just like the light off the snow in the dark of winter or the reflection off of an expanse of water for those who haven’t seen it for a while, we experience the relief of God’s cleansing most deeply when we find ourselves stuck in darkness or drought. In verses one to six of this psalm, we travel with a person who finds no escape from their guilt and the memory of it, except by facing the light. And so, they ask to be made clean.
Praise God, who doesn’t leave us in darkness but goes ahead of us, all the time. God’s Spirit shines rays of light and hope that reveal Jesus, our Saviour, waiting for us! God’s Spirit reveals needs and wounds we didn’t know we had and offers us cleansing and restoration. As we continue through Lent, may God’s Spirit help you to find words for your hopes and prayers.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Amen.
Kathy Matuschka lives in Brisbane with her husband, Mark, and worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale. This year, Kathy’s ministry journey led her to The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane, where she now serves as a chaplain.
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