Eclipse

For the next hour or so, we will see less of the sun's light than we might normally expect. Those on the south and east coasts will get the best views, apparently, as the moon gets in front of the sun, blocking out the light.
In the past, such events caused much consternation and many superstitions arose about the significance of this apparently unnatural darkness. Now, we may understand more of the reasons for such a phenomenon, and may learn to appreciate the wonders of astronomy. The BBC series 'Stargazing Live'  has much to teach most of us.
The reason we have a solar eclipse is because of the way the moon sometimes gets directly in front of the sun. Total eclipses are rare at our latitude, but today will be quite startling, for those who can see it.
The Bible relentlessly presents God as the one who brings spiritual light and truth to human beings. Taking the image of the sun itself, the Psalmist compares the way natural light comes to us with the spiritual light available to us. 'God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.  It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
 6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
      and follows its course to the other end.
      Nothing can hide from its heat.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
      reviving the soul.
   The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
      making wise the simple.' (Psalm 19.4b-7)
St. Paul develops this theme, as he observes how human beings repeatedly reject the truth and light which God brings. 'People push the truth away from themselves. The truth about God is known to human beings instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God has made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.' (Romans 1.18-20)
People of all sorts, like us, have habitually rejected God's truth. We have allowed the light he wants to bring us to be eclipsed. Often, we are too proud to accept his truth, or too busy to notice his love and mercy, or too convinced that we know the best.
My prayer is that all of us would allow his light to shine into our hearts, so that we know him better.
Best wishes,
Richard