Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 37:1-18; Evening, Psalm 37:19-42;
Isaiah 45:5-17; Ephesians 5:15-33; Mark 4:21-34
“He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?” (Mark 4:21)
Jesus is explaining to his listeners that the purpose of light is to unveil the truth. To have light and not make good use of it can lead to trouble. I often find myself having to move through a space when it’s dark. I use the light of my phone for just such occasions. It makes all the difference when I can use it to help me see objects that I might otherwise trip over.
Now there are all kinds of light but I think what Jesus is teaching us is the light of morality. We move through a world fraught with decisions of good or bad consequences for ourselves and others. We want to do the right thing. The light of morality allows us to see all the dangers that could cause us emotional pain. Our lesson from the teaching of Jesus serves as a light to the nations. We use this light of morality as instructions about loving God and loving our neighbors. Without this light of morality we are walking blind without eyes to see or ears to hear and are bound to trip over relational dangers causing emotional injury and heartache. Have Light in your life and use it always.
Today we remember Philips Brooks, Bishop and Preacher (January 23, 1893) and his information may be found at: Phillips Brooks
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:
Thank You O God for the Light of Christ. May we walk in the Light of Christ and avoid the pitfalls which often lay before us, and in so doing, find the entrance into Your heavenly dwelling where there is Light eternal. Amen.
onewhoponders 