Light of the World

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

“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.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:13-20

Light of the World

For strangers and visitors a curiosity

for residents and sailors a necessity

light in the deepest cold darkness 

and a signal that homeland is at hand.

This light does not obscure the stars

but can break through the densest cloud

can restore hope to the drifting lost

and can guide the distraught back to land.

This light is not extinguished by fear 

is not overcome by wind, currents and tides

riding above sinking sand and terrorizing waves

there is no darkness that can overcome it.

Light my path homeward sweet light

for I am a wanderer and need to be found

There are others behind me needing safe passage

and many who fear the last breaths are near.

Light be restored  within my trembling heart

my weakness and isolation all too visible

shine again within and without my fragile surfaces

so that I might serve and lead others to love again.

The Collect

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.