“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
When I reflect on why Jesus came to walk among us, why he died on the cross, and what that means for my life, I’m encouraged to worry a little less and to act a little more boldly. The Gospel of Matthew and the life of Christ remind me that I am called to go forth, to live with kindness and compassion, to GROW into this world, and to serve my neighbor no matter where I find them. In short, I am called to GROW and BLOOM even when it sometimes feels like darkness prevails and worry overwhelms. For Jesus came and he died, so that we might all have life abundantly.
I Worried
by Mary Oliver
I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers
flow in the right direction, will the earth turn
as it was taught, and if not, how shall
I correct it?
Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,
can I do better?
Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows
can do it and I am, well,
hopeless.
Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,
am I going to get rheumatism,
lockjaw, dementia?
Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing.
And gave it up. And took my old body
and went out into the morning,
and sang.
Prayer for today.
Dear friends, let us go forth, growing and singing and engaging in this troubled world. Let our light so shine before others that they may know the love of Jesus Christ. Amen
