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January 2, 2019

Following the Light, Being the Light

J. Marshall Jenkins   |   Read Psalm 72:1-4, 10-14

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Lectionary Week
January 1–6, 2019
Scripture Overview

As we approach Epiphany Sunday, we think of the coming of God into the world as the coming of a brilliant light—a light that shines into dark corners, a light that shines on people who dwell in darkness. The light of God brings with it the power of restoration to a people in exile. It shines transforming power on forgotten ones who will now arise and shine. God’s presence brings light and well-being. At this time of year, we may desire God’s light to shine upon us.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Matthew 25:31-46. Where do you see darkness in your community? How can you shine Christ’s light?
Read Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14. Consider the differences between fairness, justice, and mercy. Who around you suffers when fairness wears the cloak of justice? How can you turn the situation toward mercy?
Read Ephesians 3:1-12. Was there a time when you thought the gospel was not for you? What has changed?
Read Matthew 2:1-12. We can decipher mystery through light, mercy, witness, and love. How is Christ revealed to you this Epiphany?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 72:1-4, 10-14

1 God, give your judgments to the king. Give your righteousness to the king’s son. 2 Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor ones with justice. 3 Let the mountains bring peace to the people; let the hills bring righteousness. 4 Let the king bring justice to people who are poor; let him save the children of those who are needy, but let him crush oppressors! 10 Let the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute; let the kings of Sheba and Seba present gifts. 11 Let all the kings bow down before him; let all the nations serve him. 12 Let it be so, because he delivers the needy who cry out, the poor, and those who have no helper. 13 He has compassion on the weak and the needy; he saves the lives of those who are in need. 14 He redeems their lives from oppression and violence; their blood is precious in his eyes.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Mercy is compassion in action. As discussed in yesterday’s meditation, Jesus taught us to find him in merciful encounters. In doing so, he echoes the biblical sense of justice.

American iconography anthropomorphizes justice as a blindfolded woman holding a scale. We conceive of justice as no respecter of individuality where...

Lord, lead us from fear to faith so that we may see and be your light. Amen.


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