12th January 2022

A thought from George Ford

Jesus said: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Reflection

With these words Jesus is concluding His teaching on preserving our faith and following His ways by speaking of the effect this should been seen to have on lives. How the ‘light’ of His Spirit shining in our words and actions should bring praise and glory to God. St. Paul said something similar. That we should follow Jesus teaching closely, so as to ‘shine like stars’ in the darkness of the world. (Phil2:15) Calling on us to reflect Jesus Spirit living in us and so attract others to His ways and to know and love Him too.

Prayer

Loving Lord Jesus, strengthen your Spirit within us that we may hold fast to the light of your word, your teaching and your loving ways. Help us to so shine with the light of your love in our hearts, words, and actions, that we attract others to follow your ways, and come to know and love you, our Lord and Redeemer. To the everlasting praise and glory of God our Father. Amen.

Worship

Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth we turn to you. Make us your own, Your holy people, Light for the world to see. Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine in the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today. (Bernadette Farrell 1993)