TURN TO THE LIGHT

Last week, on my way to Khor Virap, I came across a beautiful sunflower garden and had to stop to take a picture. There’s just something about sunflowers that lifts my spirit. I’ve loved them for as long as I can remember.

But here’s what’s fascinating about sunflowers: they follow the sun. It’s a behavior called heliotropism. In the morning, they face east. And as the sun moves across the sky, they turn their heads with it. All day long, they’re chasing the light. And when the sun sets, when darkness falls, they turn toward each other.

That’s how God wants us to live. Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to Him are radiant.” That means, when you turn your eyes toward the Son of God, toward Jesus Christ, you start shining! When life is bright and blessings are flowing, keep looking to Him.

And when things get dark, when you don’t see the light, don’t isolate yourself. Don’t withdraw. Do what sunflowers do, turn to each other. Encourage one another. Build each other up. Be the light someone else needs to see.

Here’s the truth: whatever you turn toward, you’re going to reflect.

Some people live their lives turned toward disappointment, toward criticism, toward fear, and wonder why there’s no joy in their lives. But when you turn toward God…when you focus on His promises, His peace, His goodness—you begin to reflect Him. His joy becomes your strength. His hope becomes your attitude. His love begins to shine through you.

I love how even when the sun isn’t visible, sunflowers don’t panic. They just turn toward each other. That’s community. That’s the Church. When you don’t see the light, don’t give up. Turn to a brother, a sister, someone in your life who’s carrying the flame. Lean on their faith until you feel your strength again.

Friends, the world needs sunflower Christians. People who turn toward the light. People who bloom where they’re planted. People who reflect joy even in dark places. So, turn to the Son of God. Let His light fill you, strengthen you, heal you. And then go out and shine, spreading love and joy and helping others rise up and bloom beside you.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
July 6, 2025