Fifth Sunday after Epiphany – 5 February 2017

Often in cartoons, when a person has a new idea, a light bulb appears above their head. What if, in all the ways we could think about people of faith being light in the world, we thought of light as the dawning of new ways of thinking about our faith, hope, and love? What if our communities were places that sought out, fostered and treasured new thinking about the world and people? What would that look like in our faith community? What if our community was the new-and-innovative-ideas-light of hope and love in the world?

I say this because; over the last few weeks I have spoken with people who are in fear. I have spoken with people who see no hope. Even on Wednesday morning, as I visited my doctor (an Australian citizen – born in India) about an health issue, she spoke to me of her concerns because of recent world events.

Jesus says (Mathew 5):

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.

As children of God, walking in the steps of Christ our brother, we have a responsibility to bring hope to those who live in darkness. We ourselves must hold to faith, hope, and love. It is not for us to judge the hearts and motives of others or be drawn into the media maelstrom of fear mongering and hatred. For Jesus also says:

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

So let us resolve to pray for those in leadership and remember that God still holds the world and its people firmly in loving hands.