My great-grandmother Eliza Jane emigrated from Ireland in 1888. She had five children, but only two lived to adulthood. In 1901, her husband, James, died of smallpox. Life was difficult for Eliza Jane.
The only work she could find to support herself and her children was housework — washing clothes, cleaning windows, mopping floors, beating rugs — for wealthy families.
My Aunt Margaret, her eldest child, said that no one anywhere could bleach sheets and linens like Eliza Jane. When she cleaned and bleached white sheets, they were almost too bright to look at.
Now when I read the story of Jesus’ transfiguration, I think of Eliza Jane. Jesus is on the mountain with his dearest friends.
His appearance and clothing are changed; he glows in glorious light — almost too bright to look at. And God speaks out of a cloud, affirming love for Jesus.
When we spend time studying scripture, a noticeable change comes over us as well. God’s love can shine through our troubles, and we can carry that assurance to others by sharing our experiences of God’s transforming love.
John Fischer (Washington, USA)
Thought for the Day:
God’s love makes us light for the world.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, make us bright with the light of your love and compassion so that we may share your love with others. Amen.
Prayer Focus: SOMEONE WHO CLEANS HOUSES FOR A LIVING
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
My Aunt Margaret, her eldest child, said that no one anywhere could bleach sheets and linens like Eliza Jane. When she cleaned and bleached white sheets, they were almost too bright to look at.
Now when I read the story of Jesus’ transfiguration, I think of Eliza Jane. Jesus is on the mountain with his dearest friends.
His appearance and clothing are changed; he glows in glorious light — almost too bright to look at. And God speaks out of a cloud, affirming love for Jesus.
When we spend time studying scripture, a noticeable change comes over us as well. God’s love can shine through our troubles, and we can carry that assurance to others by sharing our experiences of God’s transforming love.
John Fischer (Washington, USA)
Thought for the Day:
God’s love makes us light for the world.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, make us bright with the light of your love and compassion so that we may share your love with others. Amen.
Prayer Focus: SOMEONE WHO CLEANS HOUSES FOR A LIVING
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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