The Power of Reflection

Past President's Messages

The Power of Reflection

Recently, I was awakened in the very early morning by the moon shining brightly through the bedroom window. As I lay there trying to go back to sleep, I thought about the fact that the moon generates no natural light. The intense light that awoke me and was keeping me awake was a reflection of the light from the sun. That light had traveled millions of miles, bounced off the surface of the moon, then traveled thousands more miles until it reached my eyes.

The surface of the moon is not highly reflective. In fact, scientists tell us that less than 12% of the sunlight that hits the moon is actually reflected toward the earth. The two factors that most significantly determine the amount of light reflected are:

The brilliance or intensity of the light from the sun, and

The alignment of the moon with respect to the sun…(i.e. when the moon is directly facing the sun, it reflects the most light.)

As I thought about this concept of reflecting light, I thought about the source of “spiritual light” that comes into our lives and has the power to wake us from spiritual slumber. During His ministry to the Nephites the Savior taught,

“...I am the light and the life of the world; and… I have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world…” (3 Nephi 11:11).

To His disciples in the old world, He said,

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).

To prophets in our dispensation, He taught,

“And the light …which giveth you light, is through Him…the same light that quickeneth your understandings;” (D&C 88:11-13)

Besides teaching us about His role as the “light and life of the world”, Jesus helped us also understand our role as His disciples; to reflect heavenly light.

“Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-17)

Like the moon, we may be less-than-perfect in our ability to reflect light. We may absorb far more light than we share. Still, our ability to reflect the light of THE SON is determined by the same two factors noted above.

The infinite brilliance of the light from THE SON, and

Our alignment with THE SON (i.e. when we are directly facing Him, we reflect the most light.)

With His role and ours in mind, may I share something I noticed recently. At the conclusion of every church broadcast, there is a video segment that lasts only a few seconds but makes an important symbolic point.

As the segment begins, rays of light wash in from the edges of the frame. They criss-cross, expand upward, and illuminate the darkness.

As the light increases, the form of the Savior begins to appear with a glow directly around Him.

Finally, the name of His church is revealed and we see Him clearly standing on a pedestal below Him.

I believe that every act of faith, every act of goodness, whether collective or individual, is a ray of spiritual light, inspired by the Savior, and reflected by disciples to illuminate and push aside the spiritual darkness of Satan’s influence. (Moroni 10:6)

Think of the humanitarian efforts that are ongoing throughout the world, in our own community, and in our own homes.
Think of hundreds of temples being built all over the world and millions of people entering to perform saving ordinances for themselves and loved ones.
Think of wonderful resources like Deseret Industries, the Bishop’s Storehouse, Self-Reliance tools, and Fast Offerings that brighten the lives of vulnerable children of God.
Think of the faith-filled prayers of individuals and families for loved ones, for those in need.
Think of the church educational system including BYU Pathway making education an affordable reality in all parts of the world.
Think of nearly 100,000 missionaries serving, teaching, and lifting.
Think of millions of ministering sisters and brothers, who, in spite of personal challenges, make time to reach out and reflect the light of our Master through visits and other means.

All these and more are rays of spiritual healing and light that glorify our Father and reveal our Savior.

There is still much light to be shared, but we have the witness and faith that in a coming day, we will be “caught up to meet Him” as He returns in glory. (D&C 88:96)

Until then, may we rejoice as we prepare. Let us “not be weary in well doing”. (Galatians 6:9) And may we do our best as “children of the light“ to reflect the Savior’s light and brighten our world in anticipation of His glorious Second Coming. (John 12:36).

I love you.

President Gardner