The Light of the World

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:11-16

Today we are in our third day of the House of Bishops gathering outside of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. The people have welcomed us so generously, and their kindnesses and care are a great delight. They light up the world! Yet at home in the US these beautiful folks might be regarded as illegals and therefore regarded as criminals, rounded up and mistreated. The people that Jesus spoke with and healed were most often the outcasts of society and fearful for their lives and well-being. My people, the Cherokees, were unwanted in our homelands, and forcefully removed. And yet, Jesus calls them and us today, the light of the world. May we shine in these dark times when violence seems inevitable. May we not hide our light but be those who shine in the darkest times so others might be lead to hope and love again.

Wondrous Creator, you have put divine light in each

you breathe your spirit on all flesh and inspire us

to love and serve the world with your holy compassion.

Darkness and cruelty surround too many of us

many hearts are full of fear, anger and deep jealousy

aching to destroy the ones who glimmer around them.

Lord Jesus, help us to shine in these dark times

may we be a witness to your loving spirit here

and carry your light to all corners of our world. Amen.