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Light of the World – Lectio Divina

February 9, 2014 By Jean Wise

You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before others.

Matthew 5: 14, 16

light

Light of the World

Lord you call us to be the light of the world. Not just in the world but of the entire world.

That is quite an assignment, Lord.

My self doubts cast shadows. My sin darkens my heart. My busyness and ego smudge my good intentions.

I look deep inside of me, Lord and barely see a small glow, hardly the brilliant beam needed to shine your love for others.

I can take my little flashlight and flicker it here and there.

Yet you call me, call us, to shine for the whole world.

This reminds me of the space above my kitchen sink. Boring and nondescript, I created a stained glass border.

At times the colors of the broken pieces shimmer softly across the room.

But when I turn on the illumination behind the decorated frame, colors cascade and glimmer and sparkle everywhere.

Lord be the power that intensifies my glow for you.

Take my small spark and swell its flame.

I need your power to billow my little radiance so my tiny ray reflects your love and passion.

Then I can smile and sing

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” 

light

 

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr

******

People are like stained-glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

What helps your heart shine?  What has sparked that internal God glow in your heart?  How will you shine for God in the world, your family and friends and in your own journey?

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Filed Under: lectio divina

Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    February 12, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Thank you for your kind words. I need to get around to more of the blogs on the challenge. My goal for today. Fun to find new blogs, isn’t it?

  2. blankgalalily says

    February 11, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    Very beautiful post! Shine your light!!

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 12, 2014 at 10:16 am

      Thanks for your kinds words!

  3. blankJamee @ A New Kind of Normal says

    February 11, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    This is a beautiful, beautiful post! I happened to have read it on my way to the hospital for two procedures this morning! So glad I found your blog through SITS! It definitely touched my heart!

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 12, 2014 at 9:31 am

      Thank you Jamee. I hope your procedures went well. Sending up a prayer for you.

  4. blankJenna Em says

    February 11, 2014 at 6:46 am

    I like how you take scripture and apply it to your day-to-day life. It seems to help you see the beauty in everyday things.

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 12, 2014 at 9:29 am

      Thanks for your kind words, Jenna.

  5. blankJasmine Espinal says

    February 10, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    Beautiful!

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 12, 2014 at 9:28 am

      Thanks for commenting Jasmine!

  6. blankJelli says

    February 10, 2014 at 3:13 pm

    It’s funny, I was just singing “This Little Light of Mine” with my 6 month-old son just a few minutes ago. This passage has always been very special to me. I tried to memorize the Sermon on the Mount for awhile… still haven’t got it all down, but these verses yes! Thank you for this inspiration today, Jean. I’m visiting from Sits Girls today. Loved the post! Pinning.

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 12, 2014 at 9:27 am

      I love that song. We have been singing as part of our liturgy at church this Epiphany season. Love it when adults and kids sing it with joy too. Thanks for stopping by, Jelli!

  7. blankLisa notes... says

    February 10, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    I’ve been thinking of those verses on light of the world just this morning. It does seem sort of a big assignment. But he’s the light, not me, so yes, we just let our tiny ray reflect his love and passion. Beautifully said, Jean.

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 12, 2014 at 9:26 am

      Aren’t these great verses? So rich in images and do linger with us. Thanks for commenting, Lisa

  8. blankNancy Ruegg says

    February 10, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    Isn’t it amazing the difference a two-letter word can make? Your observation is spot-on: We’re called to be the light OF the world, not just IN the world. And I love the word-picture you gave us, based on the stained glass border over your kitchen sink. With you I pray that God takes my little spark and swells its flame. A very meaningful post, Jean!

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 12, 2014 at 9:26 am

      Nancy the more I slow down and read His word the more I hear those small words that make all the difference. Thanks for your kind words!

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