Heavens Opened

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22

This is the last day of the House of Bishops. Weary from traveling and being far from home, it is easy to think only of leaving and getting home. It is very easy to let go and forget what God has done and revealed in our midst. Those of us who were blessed to accept Bishop Smith's invitation to visit the border have been marked and changed by the concerns and compassion we witnessed there. And in the midst of this house, with so many diverse dioceses and personalities present, it would be easy to remember only the politics and forgo the power of God's presence. God is here, despite our stumbling humanity and challenges, we laugh and pray and share together. We give ourselves to one another and the life of the church for the service of Christ Jesus. The heavens have opened repeated and God has shined the light of Christ's love among us.

As we finish our work and prepare to travel from this place, I ask God to continue to shine on each and every community and diocese represented here. That the heavens might open again and again, so that we might serve our people in the light of Christ. May we each be blessed by the role entrusted to each of us to be servants returning home, arms full of the grace that has been given us.