Children of light

0:06

Be Still and Know that I Am God

Today is Sunday the 15th of November, beginning the 33rd week of Ordinary Time.

Take a moment now to become still. Recognise the kind presence of God amid all your anxieties today.

The Phoenix Consort sings, ‘Be Still and Know that I Am God’, by Derek Saunders.

4:15

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

5:57

Paul tells the Thessalonians that they have no need of anyone writing to them about times and seasons, because the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Many of us want to know what is coming, and the not knowing can make us anxious. What do you worry about in the future? What grace would you need to be able to leave the timing and the outcome to God?

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they are all children of the light and of the day. These words are addressed to us too. How does it feel to be spoken of in this way? What might it mean for you to live as a child of the light in your own context this week?

As we listen to the reading again, notice Paul urging his friends to stay awake and sober. Which words stay with you? Notice what feelings rise, whether of comfort or challenge, and let them settle in you.

9:27

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

10:46

Speak to God from your heart. As a new week begins, feel encouraged to ask for the grace of wakeful trust, and say whatever you need to say to the One who is always with us, whatever life brings.

13:08

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen