Written by clergy and lay people across our Diocesan community, ‘Sunday Devotions’ is a column of short reflections based on a Lectionary reading of the day, suitable for small group discussion or personal use.
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5.11)
Main Readings: 1 Kings 2.10-12, 3.3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5.11-21 (22-31); John 6.51-58; [Proverbs 9.1-6; Psalm 34.9-14]
Supplementary Readings: Psalm 148; Mark 11.1-11; 1 Kings 3.15-28; Psalm 34.9-18; Ephesians 6.1-9
A girl was walking along a path, and ahead of her she recognises three girls who appear to be arguing. Two of those people were teaming up against the third, and they were well known for not being kind. Rather than assist, the girl crosses the street hoping to prevent the others’ attention on herself. She lowers her head and walks past quickly, thinking that “It’s better that it’s someone else and not me”.
In the passage from Ephesians above we are encouraged not to take part in “unfruitful works of darkness”. By not speaking up about harm we allow the darkness to continue, to grow. We unwittingly become participants ourselves. It takes great bravery, but by speaking up, speaking out and exposing the darkness to the light of truth, you are helping others and yourself.
Recently, growing movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo encourage us to speak up against the darkness. We must be courageous and if we ever see the darkness or are hurt by it, speak up!
Let’s speak up knowing that we will be supported in the loving arms of God.
Editor’s note: Beth Miller is a Year 11 student at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School and a parishioner at St Matthew’s, Sherwood. She wrote this devotion with the support of school chaplain The Rev’d Gillian Moses.
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