Light Has Dawned

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:12-17 

Yesterday was travel day to the House of Bishops here in Minneapolis. Our meetings start this morning. As I watch the sun rise over the city, I offer my gratitide to the Creator. When I deplaned yesterday, my bag did not arrive with me. It's a funny thing to have nothing in a strange city and go to bed without any clothes and other necessities. Yet every night in every city and town, people are going to bed with only the clothes on their back. We can worry and fuss about really minor things and forget how blessed we truly are.

Wherever Jesus went there was a sense of light dawning, new possibilities and new hope. We too could consider ourselves in these times, "those who sat in the region and shadow of death". We can get overwhelmed by our own struggles. And yet, we are blessed to be beloved of God, secure in the light of love. We can use our daylight for worry and fear or for lifting others up and turning to the light.

Today,  I ask God to help me be truly grateful. May we live our days, not worrying about what we might lack, but rejoicing in the light of God that never leaves us.