Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, ‘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 many of us search the national news, whether this is on tv, on iplayer, on social media or in a newspaper with great suspicion. How do we know whether it's true? Is it false news? It's extremely difficult to know true news from false news.

In today's bible reading from Luke's Gospel we have three very small parables told by Jesus to challenge his listeners as well as us. Put simply they mean:

1. When we receive God's truth it's no good hiding it, it would be like putting a cover over a light. Instead we need to show our faith through the way we live, so that it is like a light to others.
2. We cannot keep the good news about Jesus secret, that is hidden, or pretend we are more devout than we are, for God sees all our small deceptions and dishonesty.
3. We are also to be careful how we hear and apply the words of Jesus. When we fail to do this the enemy will happily take away what little faith we have left. But when we listen to Jesus and obey Him we are promised more faith.

So how do we know God's truth is not false news? Open your mind and heart to God and ask Him.

Lord God,
sometimes though we hear Your truth,
we fail to act upon it,
or we doubt Your truth.
At other times we fail to hear You,
and we turn away from You.
May we learn to open our hearts
and invite Your presence,
into our life so that our faith
continues to grow.
Amen.