Daily Devotional
Not Hidden From God
Joseph mourns his father openly, buries him in hope, and refuses revenge when his brothers tremble before him. The righteous man does not answer evil with evil, but leaves judgment to God and does good to those who fear him. So the psalm teaches us to cry to the Lord, not with flattering lips and a double heart, but with lifted hands and a clean conscience. And Isaiah strips away every pretense: sacrifices may continue year by year, yet a people can still be blind, their hearts far from God, their counsel whispered in secret as though the Holy One does not see.
Clement warns, “Another time, the Educator gives warning through Isaiah: ‘Woe to you who made your counsel in secret and say: Who sees us?’ A light that can be seen by the senses may pass unnoticed, but that which illumines the mind cannot be ignored.” Christ comes into such darkness and does not merely ease bodily trouble. He first says to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven,” showing that the deepest healing is not hidden from Him. Then He commands the man to rise and walk, so that forgiveness may be joined to obedience, and mercy to amendment of life.
The same Lord eats with tax collectors, yet He does not bless sin; He calls sinners. He defends works of necessity on the Sabbath, yet He does not abolish holiness; He reveals Himself as Lord of the Sabbath. Therefore let none of us honor God with lips while keeping grudges, secret plans, greed, or uncleanness within. Let us come into the light, confess our sins, forgive our brother, and rise to walk in newness of life.
“Another time, the Educator gives warning through Isaiah: “Woe to you who made your counsel in secret and say: Who sees us?” A light that can be seen by the senses may pass unnoticed, but that which illumines the mind cannot be ignored.”
— Clement of Alexandria
“for He declares both in the case of the paralytic, saying, Your sins are forgiven Mark 2:5;”
— John Chrysostom, Homilies on Hebrews
For Reflection & Discussion
Whom must you forgive this day, refusing revenge as Joseph did, and what concrete act of peace will you offer instead of repayment?
What secret sin or hidden counsel must you bring into the light by confession, repentance, and a plain breaking off of the deed?
What work of mercy or necessity have you neglected under cover of religion, and how will you do good today for someone sick, poor, or burdened?
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