Ephesians 5:8-14
8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
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Each year when selecting a passage to prepare for Lent, I seem to be drawn to one of Paul’s letters. It reminds me of our trip to Greece seeing a prison cell which is thought to be where he was held. This surely was a dark and depressing place filled with uncertainty, yet he wrote about hope and remained faithful. A sign of God and work through the Holy Spirit.
When I first read this passage, I think I smiled because at the end I felt a sense of renewed hope and a sense of warmth from light and sunshine. Perhaps it was the mention of entering light and leaving darkness as I am drawn to light as a morning person. Or it could be that I get up early because I don’t want to miss anything and try to be prepared for what lies ahead. Paul also says, “sleeper awake!” in other words get up and get ready because the light of Christ will shine on you to follow him and serve others through him. This is comforting and provides energy and strength to continue. I am making final edits as the first light of the morning shines through the windows of my house up north. I am preparing myself for what’s in store for the day, are you awake yet?
Prayer: God of light and truth, waken us each day with a renewed hope to do your will. Amen.
—Mary Kautto