Reflection from Bradley ScottLuke 11:29–36The Sign of Jonah29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgement with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.The Lamp of the Body33 “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. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy,[a] your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy,[b] your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 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.” (NIV)ReflectionIn today's Gospel, Jesus speaks to a crowd that is looking for a sign. They want proof, something spectacular that will convince them of who he is. Yet Jesus tells them that no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.The people of Nineveh responded to Jonah's message and turned back to God. Jonah was not a great miracle worker; his power lay in the message he carried. Jesus reminds the crowd that someone greater than Jonah is standing among them. The challenge is not a lack of evidence but a lack of willingness to see and respond.This passage invites us to ask ourselves an important question: are we seeking God, or are we seeking signs? Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that if God would only give us a dramatic answer, a miracle, or a clear sign, then we would believe more deeply. Yet God often speaks through ordinary things: Scripture, prayer, worship, the kindness of others, and the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit.Jesus then speaks about a lamp. No one lights a lamp and hides it away; its purpose is to give light. In the same way, God's light is meant to shine in our lives. The question is whether we are open to receiving that light."The eye is the lamp of the body." What we focus on shapes us. If our eyes are fixed on God's goodness, truth, and love, our lives become filled with light. If we allow bitterness, jealousy, fear, or selfishness to dominate our vision, darkness can begin to cloud our hearts.Jesus ends with a warning: "See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness." This is a call to honest self-examination. We may think we are walking in the light, but are there areas of our lives where we are resisting God's transforming work? Are there attitudes we need to surrender? Relationships we need to heal? Habits we need to change?The good news is that Christ is the light of the world. He does not leave us in darkness. As we turn to him, he illuminates our path, reveals God's love, and helps us become people who reflect his light to others.May we not be people constantly demanding signs, but people who recognise God's presence already among us. And may the light of Christ shine so brightly within us that it becomes visible to all those we meet.Let us PrayLord Jesus, you are the light of the world. Open our eyes to see your presence in our daily lives. Help us to trust you even when we do not receive the signs we seek. Fill our hearts with your light, that we may reflect your love, truth, and hope to others. Keep us from darkness and lead us in your way. Amen. Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000) (including the Psalter as published with Common Worship), material from which is included here, is copyright ©The Archbishops' Council 2000
Monday evenings 6:15pm-8:00pm at Holy Trinity Hall Westward Ho! Supper served with tea & coffee Starting 3rd March! For more information call Rev Jules on 07857 946576
The repairs to the bell tower of the church started in March and work is progressing well.Once the repairs have been done the bells will be able to be rung again; we still need to raise money to complete the job, though, so any contributions to this will be welcome.
