Be the Light
Here are some thoughts on this Sunday's second lesson. These are uncertain times in which we live and I think this scripture speaks to us today. What are your thoughts? This was sent to the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church.
11-16 Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
How apropos the last sentence in this reading from Ephesians, “These are desperate times!” With all that is happening in our world today, I don’t think anyone could disagree with that.
Personally, I was planning on surgery Tuesday and that got canceled. I found myself very depressed as a result. I was looking forward to relief from the pain I am currently experiencing. Interestingly enough, I was with other pastors yesterday at a forum with county medical representatives. One of the speakers said that this is not the time to go to the hospital. My thought was, “Ok. God. I hear you.”
Before baptism we were in darkness. Now the light of Christ “makes [our] way plain.” Sundaysandseasons.com says, “Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment...in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.”
How can we bear witness when we find ourselves at home more than we would like? There’s still the good old-fashioned telephone. We can call friends and neighbors to check on them and to be mutually encouraged. Those who are online, we can email or we can Facetime or Skype. We need to be more deliberate in this time when we cannot physically gather together. We can gather virtually.
Remember, as much as we hear about “social distancing,” it is more accurate to think about physical distancing being the important issue. We dare not be socially distant. How that would add to the loneliness of those who were already shut up in their homes.
Let us wake up and “Make the most of every chance [we] get.”
Just a reminder that I can always be reached by email or my cell phone: 716-904-0855. May God’s peace enfold you in these uncertain times.
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Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-16 from The Message
8-10 You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.11-16 Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
How apropos the last sentence in this reading from Ephesians, “These are desperate times!” With all that is happening in our world today, I don’t think anyone could disagree with that.
Personally, I was planning on surgery Tuesday and that got canceled. I found myself very depressed as a result. I was looking forward to relief from the pain I am currently experiencing. Interestingly enough, I was with other pastors yesterday at a forum with county medical representatives. One of the speakers said that this is not the time to go to the hospital. My thought was, “Ok. God. I hear you.”
Before baptism we were in darkness. Now the light of Christ “makes [our] way plain.” Sundaysandseasons.com says, “Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment...in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.”
How can we bear witness when we find ourselves at home more than we would like? There’s still the good old-fashioned telephone. We can call friends and neighbors to check on them and to be mutually encouraged. Those who are online, we can email or we can Facetime or Skype. We need to be more deliberate in this time when we cannot physically gather together. We can gather virtually.
Remember, as much as we hear about “social distancing,” it is more accurate to think about physical distancing being the important issue. We dare not be socially distant. How that would add to the loneliness of those who were already shut up in their homes.
Let us wake up and “Make the most of every chance [we] get.”
Just a reminder that I can always be reached by email or my cell phone: 716-904-0855. May God’s peace enfold you in these uncertain times.
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