The Road Devotional | Lent 2024

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

In this passage, Jesus references the way that a light from a lamp is not to be hidden, but to be kept free and uncovered so that it can draw in those who can see it. A lamp would be useless if it was covered. We have light within ourselves. However, our inner depths can often be covered in darkness. This happens when there are parts of ourselves we don’t like (or something someone else close to us have pointed out as a flaw and so we go and hide that part). It can also be something we have done that we are ashamed of, but instead of surrendering it, we cling to it in hopes that no one would discover it.

Q. Is there any part of yourself that you currently hide in the shadows which would help make you a more whole person if you didn’t feel the need to hide it? Is there any part of your history that you continue to hide in darkness because of shame?

When we affix our gaze to that which is good (God), we can illuminate our whole selves. Will you allow your gaze to rest on the beauty of God? Will you allow your gaze to notice the injustice of the world? By gazing on the beauty of God’s beautiful creation and its need for justice, we can be fully illuminated to the work that God is doing in the world.

Q. What have your eyes been gazing at today? In the last few days? Where has the attention of your eyes been drawn?

God, illuminate my heart as I walk the roads of this world. May my eyes remain fixed on the source of all light. Remove any darkness that clouds my vision and guide me in the path of wholeness. May I reflect Your love, mercy, and grace to all those around me. May my life be a beacon that draws others to the brilliance of Your presence.

Amen.