Light of the World

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. “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.” Matthew 5:11-16

Great Creator, you bring us light

we wonder as the sun sets in beauty

rejoice as the morning sun rises gently

and give you thanks for every new day.

Some days the tasks before us are routine

and some days we move reluctantly on

as what lies ahead is troubling and sad

a life full of great loss and loud mourning.

Yet you lived in the midst of human pain

and walked with the people loving everyone

you taught that even in our darkest hours

we can be your light of love for others.

Help us to be light where it is needed today

and help us not lose our flavor nor our hope

for you give us strength every morning

and wrap our sleeping in visions of hope. Amen.