Matthew 5, 14-16
Something to read
You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
New Revised Standard Version
To read the King James Version, click here
Something to think about
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world’ therefore to be light is to participate in who and what Jesus is in the world.
But this is no local calling where we keep the lights burning in our own corner of the chancel but a global calling: you are the light of the world. So when we act locally, we are participating globally, that what we do is not an individual effort but part of a worldwide participation in the things that bring light.
And also to shine that light on those whose lives are described in the beatitudes: the meek and the peacemakers, the mourning and the hungry for justice. Highlight this kind of living with your light, it is the reigning of God.
Light then becomes the gathering of evidence of God in the world and the invitation to join that community of light.
Something to do
How can you rekindle the light in yourself or in someone else? Has there been someone how has encouraged you, made your light shine a little brighter. Write a letter to them even if they are no longer with us. Affirm for yourself the light that has been kindled in you and be encouraged by it. More than that, believe it!
Something to pray
God of blessing,
kindling God,
of sparks to flames,
and hopes to dreams,
may we let light shine from us
and light shine around us,
that we may know
this gathering of the light,
moves the whole universe,
from shadow,
into glory.
Today's contributor is the Rev Roddy Hamilton, Minister of the Church of Scotland in Abbotsford Church in Clydebank