Two natural, common liquids with very different properties animate the texts today: water and olive oil. Matthew’s gospel text revolves around the use of olive oil for lamps kept burning by wise bridesmaids awaiting the bridegroom’s arrival to the wedding. In the reading from Amos, the prophet thunders, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream” (5:24). Both elements play a prominent role in The Sacrament of Holy Baptism. At the end of the ritual the newly baptized is gifted with a candle so that each of us has “This Little Light of Mine” to help keep us awake and to shine in the world until Christ the bridegroom arrives again! Join us this Sunday as Pastor Armin brings the message and reminds us to “let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”
image: Ancient oil lamp. Copyright Ó jsp/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. Used by permission.