TUESDAY, August 30

Psalm 36. For with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light.

As I write these words the sky outside my window has a golden tinge near the horizon as the still-hidden sun casts its light up into the sky, almost like tiny particles scattered in the atmosphere. Soon the light from the rising sun will be striking through the leaves of the eucalyptus trees, casting them into life, revealing them in their three dimensions.

Light by itself is invisible, revealing itself only when reflected off something. God’s presence is like that in some ways. Invisible. Perceived only when reflected by some object or action and striking the eye of faith. It is in God’s light that we see light, for it is only when we see with eyes of faith that we recognize God’s presence around us and know God as the source of that life.

In today’s reading from his epistle, James writes about faith and works. Faith without works is dead, he says. Faith is like pure light, invisible until reflected in our works. When our works reflect the light, they point us to the source of all lights—our great God whose glory fills the whole of creation.

PRAY for the Diocese of Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Ps 26, 28 * 36, 39; 1 Kings 8:65—9:9; James 2:14-26; Mark 14:66-72

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Let Your Light Shine

Aug 30, 2011 at 7:45 am

Written by Ann Green,

Today's meditations brings me back to my high school days. We had morning assembly where we did prayers and sometimes we would recite one of my favorite set of verses, the Beattitudes (Matthew 5: 1-12). We always ended with verse 16 - Let your light so shine upon men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. As a young girl these were just some poetic words. Today's meditation has definitely shun some light on their true meaning for me.

Light

Aug 30, 2011 at 7:52 am

Written by Sharon,

This was a truly inspired meditation!

Brilliant!

Aug 30, 2011 at 8:24 am

Written by Sam,

Brilliant is God's Light as well as today's meditation. I am especially inspired by "God’s presence is like that ... Invisible - Perceived only when reflected by some object or action and striking the eye of faith" and "Faith is like pure light, invisible until reflected in our works". When I think of the Light of God, I often compare it with the sun: it is always on, even when we do not see or feel it. Like the writer, let us today strive to be the prism that concentrates and shines the light into the lives of all we meet. Thanks for an inspiring reflection.

...

Aug 30, 2011 at 8:51 am

Written by Mary kier,

I too was touched and inspired by our meditation today and the resulting off shoots.of inspiration. Jesus taught through parables that were close to the heart and understanding of how the world worked during his life. I embrace words by those today who can explain our faith through "modern" images and knowledge. I understand that concept of light reflection and the lovely prism reference. It really brings faith to the twenty first century. Thankyou! My faith is norished by your meditations.

Let your light shine.

Aug 30, 2011 at 9:08 am

Written by alberta,

Lord, give us the strength and patience to do good works. Amen

Clear Light

Aug 30, 2011 at 9:21 am

Written by Jim,

Thank you for this beautiful reflection. May God help me to see what his light reflects today and to do good works all week.

...

Aug 30, 2011 at 3:17 pm

Written by Christopher John SSF,

Sorry for not being able to read and reply to your comments over the past few days. I'm at our friary on Long Island, NY, this week and you may have heard of Hurricane Irene. Well - we had no damage other than a bit of water in the basement, but like many many others on Long Island we've had no electric power since then and still without. I'm grateful for a cafe with free wi-fi access to be able to keep in touch, but haven't had long enough online to read and reflect back on all of your responses. But thanks anyway!

Let our Light Shine

Aug 30, 2011 at 8:01 pm

Written by Rick,

Ann, thank you for bringing up verse 16 in Matthew. We often try to play down our good work so as not to be too proud. But then others won't see and be inspired by our faith. It is important to let others know of the good we do in the name of Jesus.

shine to gloryfy the lord!

Aug 30, 2011 at 11:59 pm

Written by Rev.Fr.Michaelraj.j,

Praise to Christ Jesus!Hai!Being priest of 15 years, gone through somuch of hardships in living God's Will.working in mission station received non acecptance of my people to whom im dying,negligence in my good intensions&works&sacrifies.Even today im outside of my country India to generate fund to complete the primary school building for poor students of my parish aboutwhich here im experiencing the rejection and tasting the humiliations.yet,let me not allow my light-shining in anyway to be diminshed.God bless you for your Good deeds.

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