Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 22: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 137 and 144; Evening, Psalm 104;
Micah 5:1to 4,10 to 15; Acts 25:13 to 27; Luke 8:16 to 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.” (Luke 8:16)
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; the more the further, the better.
Every village, community or parish, has those in their midst who are above the fray of challenged 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 all present.
From them we need to light our own torches from their loving and inclusive light and continue to carry it deeper into this dark world. Such light illumines 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. Remember, the dog was here last night. 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. We must seek light, then more light, and finally, further light. Let those with the ears of the Christian craftsmen hear what is being said.
Please keep Ukraine in your prayers, our prayers are making a real difference.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
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