Light Dawns

Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:12-17

Some seasons are more challenging than others. The past few weeks have been particularly challenging in our little household, nothing hideous, but constant challenges that can wear a spirit down. Between hurricanes evacuations, testing and surgery, it has been a full few weeks. The rains and lightening came last night, unrelenting and it seemed the road home was buckling under us and we were swallowed by fog. It is easy to get swallowed up by whatever fogs wear us down, the storms that beat us down and the physical struggles ahead. This morning, the light dawned crystal clear and bright. Fall temperatures and colors are lingering right around the corner, and there was an invitation to see the world with new eyes.

Jesus ministry begins with the words of ancient prophecy. The promise to those who had suffered long, those oppressed and worn down beyond recognition, was that God was drawing near, bringing a new dawn, new light to deep, painful darkness. Jesus' ministry begins and continues to this day with that promise. New life and new life are on the horizon for us all. No matter what we face today, around the corner is new life.

Today, as I fly off to Quito for the House of Bishops, I pray for the new dawn, the new light, a new day in our church and ministries. The world is changing around us and we dwell on the cusp of new possibilities. May we all have the strength to look up and trust the coming of the light, a new day and God's dwelling near us.