Exodus 9:13-35
Psalms 141, 143:1-11
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Mark 10:32-45
In 2 Corinthians 4 we are told to think about God’s light in our hearts shining forth. When we make more and more room for this light by getting rid of the hiding, dishonesty (perhaps most especially from ourselves) and “craftiness” (wanting to work things out to our own advantage), then we have more room to experience trusting God’s mercy. We are not asked to live a life that circumvents trouble, and in fact we will encounter trouble “on every side.” Thus, the way to live our lives fully is to welcome the direct experience of life—not just the glorious parts but also all the trouble, slings and arrows, and even doubts that we encounter. Knowing God’s mercy is always, irrevocably, held out to us gives us the courage to fully live this human life.
