Reflection

reflection

Main Entry: re·flec·tion
Pronunciation: \ri-ˈflek-shən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere
Date: 14th century
1: an instance of reflecting; especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3 a: the action of bending or folding back b: a reflected part : fold
4: something produced by reflecting: as a: an image given back by a reflecting surface b: an effect produced by an influence
5: an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach (a reflection on his character)
6: a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation
7: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose
8obsolete : turning back : return
9 a: a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane b: a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system

I was reading about refraction and reflection of light on a wall today. When I got home, I was thinking about the word 'reflect' and the different ways it is used and how it is grammatically set up.

The prefix re- means to do again or to go back

The root word -flect- means 'to bend' (as in 'genuflect') from the Latin flectere.

I would love to know what the words used in the original Greek and Hebrew are...I would be interested in knowing if they had the same meaning. In the English, I find the word 'reflection' to have such a rich and varied meaning.

If I apply the original definition...to bend, to bend back, to bend back again...I can look on that as the sort of position my body ends up in, a position of complete and total vulnerability. I can make myself vulnerable by considering my own behavior.

If I apply the first, second, or fourth definition...I can be a'reflection' of someone else's behavior, meaning that I can behave as they do. I reflect (consider) that I want to reflect (repeat the image of) the Lord.

If I apply the fifth definition, it is a reproach. Whose image do you see when you see me if I am NOT reflecting on my own reflection?

The application of the last line is the one I most love, let my reflection be a transformation. Let that transformation be a reflection of ALL the ways I can be a reflection. Let me reflect upon myself. Let me be a glass that the Lord shines through. Let me reflect the Son, not myself, to others. Let me leave myself vulnerable to Him. Let me spend more time considering my own behaviors and let my EXAMPLE be what helps others to reflect upon their own behaviors.

Most of all, help me to remember to spend time in reflection of the Lord and His Word.

1 Corinthians 13:9-13 (King James Version)
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

James 1:22-25 (King James Version)
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Proverbs 27:19
As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Timothy 2:7
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Amen