Scripture: Luke 8:16-18
No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand so that those who enter can see the light. Nothing is hidden that won’t be exposed. Nor is anything concealed that won’t be made known and brought to the light. Therefore, listen carefully. Those who have will receive more, but as for those who don’t have, even what they seem to have will be taken away from them.
Thought for the Day: So much of Jesus’ teaching is common sense, though unexpected common sense. I know that sounds strange, but don’t you think that if stuff was really common sense, we wouldn’t need a phrase to describe it. It would just be in our collective consciousness. Yet how often have you had to explain to a child what we might consider to be common sense, and you explained it 8, 12 or 15 times. Just because something is common sense, doesn’t mean people choose it. It doesn’t mean people won’t push back against it. As people of faith, if we believe God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and that such a light can bring hope and joy to the lives of others, then why do we lock it up in the church building or feel anxious about sharing it with others or tell people that religion is a private matter. Now please understand, I’m not suggesting that we be obnoxious. Sticking with the analogy, you don’t put people under the interrogation light. That’s not going to help the cause. I invite you to think about what it is that keeps you from sharing the light in your life. Is it insecurity? Is it a lack of confidence? If it is such Good News, why don’t we share it more easily?
Prayer: May your light that shines upon me be the light I share with others, O Light of the World. Whenever I feel a need to hide it, provide me the courage necessary to offer it in both word and deed. Amen.
