Thursday 21 February 2019

Psalm: Psalm 78:1-7

Background

As I write, the dawn is breaking on the shortest day of the year. As you read, days will be lighter and longer. Some of us will be relieved that spring is coming. Light is crucial for well-being and life itself. So what are we to make of this curious saying from Jesus, sandwiched between challenges about our attitudes to wealth and poverty, generosity and loyalty?

Throughout the Bible, light is a symbol of positive, flourishing life. God’s first creative word caused light to break into chaotic darkness (Genesis 1:3). In Revelation, the seer tells us that the future city of God will need no artificial light “…for the Lord God will be their light.” (Revelation 22:5). So what of our 24/7 world with its plethora of screens and images competing for attention? Perhaps we should be careful which images burn into our retinas, and become our vision of the world.

But a ‘healthy eye’ – what could this mean? The word translated ‘healthy’ normally meant ‘single’. Is Jesus suggesting that a flourishing light-filled life starts by having our eyes set on a single object, being single-minded? Not being distracted by things that get between us and the light of God in which we are called to live? If so, it makes sense of why this saying is here. Our preoccupation with our favourite things or our chosen lifestyle will prevent us wholeheartedly serving God.  Our divided loyalties will dilute our commitment to generosity and hospitality.

Of the leaders of the church through the centuries, John Wesley in particular was adamant that if we were attached to material prosperity it would draw us away from living holy lives in God’s light. He chose to live simply and to give generously to those in need, and called on the people called Methodists to do the same. This is a challenge to most of us in our materialistic world.   I wonder what would it mean for me to live with a ‘single eye’ and to allow God to be the sole source of illumination for my daily life?

To Ponder:

• If our vision is so important for our spiritual health, what do we need to focus on?
• In a world full of screens and images, what choices can we make about what holds our attention?
• What does living with a ‘single eye’ mean for you?