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Bible Study Notes August 26, 2020 Fr. Abi John

8/27/2020

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Text: Luke 8:16-18

A Lamp Under a Jar
16 “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be
disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light.  18 Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”

The philosophy of dialectics is very powerful in the realm of spirituality. Good and bad are identified as two different states of spirit and matter. We always vacillate between good and bad because we are connected to the immanent and transcendent phenomena of life. Everyone wants to be good, however in reality we struggle to achieve the perfect goodness. Paul clearly states the conflicts between the good and evil nature of humans in Romans 7:15-17, 22-25.

“15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17 But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.” .... 22 For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, 23 but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

The law of God encapsulates the active love for self and for others. But the law of sin brings forth hate and destruction for self and the community at large. When a person accepts Christ as the true savior, he/she is bound to the law of love which is always transparent, just and loyal. There won’t be any hidden agenda in the spiritual realm as well as there is always trust in any sort of relationship. The purpose of Jesus' coming is to restore a relationship that was broken. Drawing nearer to God is possible only when we draw close to the broken relationships as well to engage in possible ways to transform the brokenness into wholeness even at the cost of life. Jesus is the only model to substantiate this quality through the way of cross. He never compromised with evil, but helped people to understand the conscious and unconscious operation of evil. He wanted them to be true to themselves and others which pleases God the father. Amen! Such quality creates an imperishable light to dispel the negative thoughts and the perception of life, and consistency promotes decency and dignity for all. Secrets are dangerous when it is done for some destructive actions. Jesus was plotted at the back door. Jesus was always prophetic and vociferous for a sustainable transformation in life.

He wanted his followers to be the agents of truth and wanted them to be advocates of the same in public. The corrupted world delineates from the law of God and manipulates every single iota in life. But the power of truth vanishes the mendacious notions around us and within us to create a beloved community of Christ.

I am sure as the body of Christ; we are called to continually practice truth with love for the other and shed the light to dispel the darkness in the world that propagates injustice and discrimination. When we translate our faith in action, it’s going to produce good because the Christian faith always advocates for egalitarian traits and consistently protests against dehumanization of anyone.

The parable of light calls us to continue our bold and sincere call of God in realizing a matured community of God to display the gospel of Christ. “Love that makes the world go round.”

​Amen.

Thanks be to God.
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Watkins Glen, New York 14891

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