A powerful zero

Time for some math. A look at history shows a remarkable array of numbering systems. What amazes me about most all of them was a singular missing element: the concept of zero. For example, ever try to do ordinary multiplication using Roman numerals?

Let’s take something simple, say, 30 times three equals

90. Written with Roman numerals that looks like this: XXX x III = XC. With no zero in place, the Romans had to invent another way round, using letters from their alphabet. X is ten, I is one, C is a hundred, and a smaller number before a larger one is an automatic subtraction that must be done first. Imagine the complicated process it took for those

Roman engineers who built the aqueducts, bridges and colosseums!

That’s the thing about zero. Most of the time we think of zero and say that it just means that nothing is there. But in the mathematical sense, zero does something very valuable. It waits, holding a place open so that something else can come in and fill it. It makes things much easier to conceptualize, plan or build.

For us as Christians there is another aspect. We are all zeroes. Wait and see what is meant. John’s Gospel opens with words most of us probably know, “In the beginning was the Word ...” By verse nine,

John tells us that Christ is the Light, and His purpose, “That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.”

In Matthew we see that Jesus, the light of the world, tells us that if we are in a relationship with Him we, “are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

It works like this. By ourselves, our zeroes aren’t much. We are just waiting, holding our place open, powerless.

But if Christ fills in that first spot as head of the Church and Lord of our lives, we are empowered. He lights up our lives.

Suddenly our zeroes become 10, or 100, or

1,000, all the way to billions. If that is not enough wattage to light up the world around us, then I don’t know what is.

It is easier to build with the right tools and materials, in the Light, than to fumble around in the dark, groping for the first thing that comes to hand.

To use an earlier analogy, open the shutter on your heart-lantern. Be filled and empowered. Let His light shine in and through you. He will light your way and enable you to bring others along with you.

The Inyo Register.)