Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 22: Year 2
Psalms AM 137:1-6(7-9), 144; PM 104; Micah 5:1to 4,10 to 15; Acts 25:13 to27; Luke 8:16to 25
“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” (Acts 25:16)
Light is often used as a metaphor for moral enlightenment. When some of us learn about better ways to live harmoniously in community, we model this higher morality, thus extending this light to others. Morality is like money or food stores, it is not meant to be hoarded. There are plenty of people in need of such learning; of such light.
Every village, community or parish, has those in their midst who are above the fray of challenging relationships. These are sometimes quiet people who are easy to get along with. But some are not so quiet, none the less, they are upbeat and positive. Either way, quiet or engaging, these people of the light seem to be the few among us who bring in the light of love and share it with us.
From them we need to light our own torches from their light and continue to carry it into this dark world. Such light illuminates our tendency to be self-righteous, self-centered and challenging when there is no reason to be this way.
Sometimes the light does not show us where to go, but rather, where not to go. It’s like having my flashlight with me when I take the dog out in the morning. The light does not show me where to step, but rather, where not to step. The light of morality works as a guard on our lips and hands and feet. This moral lamp, from a shared lamp stand, helps us to avoid trouble and move closer towards the glory of God. My beloved of the Lord, walk in the light, and then carry the light for others so that they too, might see.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John
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