The Daily Office for February 8, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 119:97-120
Genesis 27:1-29
Romans 12:1-8
John 8:12-20
Reading (John 8:12-20)
Reflection
In today's Gospel reading, which follows the incident of the adulterous woman, Christ made His second “I am” statement: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus shines as the sole Light in a world of darkness and sin. If a person accepts and trusts the leading of that Light, he or she will have the light of life.
Of course, the Pharisees objected to Christ’s testimony because all testimonies, according to their laws, had to be substantiated by witnesses. Christ knew His origin and no one could testify to that. Consequently, the Pharisees could not disprove Him. Jesus then accused the Pharisees of judging from an external perspective: "You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me." Although Christ had perfect knowledge, He came, not to judge, but to save John 3:17–18. Those who reject the saving ministry of Jesus Christ must be judged, and they will be judged by both the Father and Son. The good news is that all who have given their lives to Jesus and put their trust for salvation in Him will have eternal life.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who alone can bring order to the unruly wills and passions of sinful humanity: give your people grace so to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, among the many changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.