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 negative 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 faithful craftsmen hear what is being said.
Today we remember Edith Cavell, Nurse and Martyr (12 October 1915), and her information can be found at; Edith Cavell (satucket.com)
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools. And, as we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 