Thoughts for the Day

‘No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today the funeral of Queen Elizabeth is being held in London. I swore allegiance to her when I joined the RAF and was introduced to her twice - at the 300th anniversary of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) as Vice Chairman and again at a Garden Party. My 'story' involves her looking beyond me to the man standing next to me, and saying "Thank you for ringing me this morning. How is he?" It turned out he had been her ADC, and they had spoken about his very sick dog. She then shook my hand with a smile of apology before moving past us both. But these memories are eclipsed by her effortless way of speaking about her faith in her broadcasts. No-one could doubt that this was where her strength ultimately came from.

Our bible passage today is the parable of the lamp - one of the Kingdom parables. No sensible person would light a lamp or a candle that was meant to illuminate the darkness, but then hide its light. So what's this parable about? We know that God's kingdom is a kingdom of love and that it's partly here already. When we come to faith that is because we have seen the light of His kingdom, and have received the Word of God. Now comes a time of decision, do we ignore what we have received as though covering up a lamp, or do we share it with others? Each time we share what we have learnt in humility, then we help to bring God's kingdom of light and love into being. These last ten days national mourning have been an opportunity for people to share their faith with others, through words or sometimes actions.

We should pray for the grace to humbly share what we have received from God, and to humbly receive what others share with us.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You brought the true light
into the world,
which no-one could dim,
even though the wicked continue to try.
Help us who have received that light
have the humility and the courage
to share it with others
and to receive what others share with us.
Amen.