Items for the week of Sunday, February 8th

This past Sunday, February 8^th, was the 5^th Sunday after Epiphany we heard the following scripture readings, introduction, and prayer of the day during the worship service:

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 58:1-12 The fast God chooses
Psalm 112:1-10 Light shines in the darkness for the upright. (Ps. 112:4)
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 God’s wisdom revealed through the Spirit
Matthew 5:13-20 The teaching of Christ: salt and light

Introduction for the Day

Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we are sent into the world to shine with the light of Christ.

Prayer of the Day

Lord God, with endless mercy you receive the prayers of all who call upon you. By your Spirit show us the things we ought to do, and give us the grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Devotion for the week

The Lamp is Already Lit

“This little light of mine, I’m goin’-a let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine” (ELW 677). There’s nothing quite like the joyous call and response of a whole congregation singing together the words of this beloved African American spiritual. The text and tune make it very hard to keep any lamps under a bushel basket!

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Many congregations use these words during the rite of Holy Baptism. But “Let your light shine” doesn’t imply that the light belongs only to us or to the church. The first chapter of Genesis clarifies this. At the beginning of creation, God speaks light into existence, making light God’s first gift to the whole world. In that light, God creates everything, including humankind, which is made in the divine image, according to God’s likeness.

Living in harmony with God’s word, letting our light shine with “good works” that glorify God, is not about striving for perfection. Because God’s light has existed from the beginning, it is not something we earn or achieve for ourselves. We don’t provide the spark that lights the lamp—it is already lit by God. Our job is to let the light shine. To be light for the world, then, is to be none other than who we have been from the beginning. Therein lies not only the fulfillment of God’s word, but also our own fulfillment as God’s children and light-bearers in the world.