Darkness Cannot Overcome the Light
Dear Beloved of El Camino Real,
During the season of Epiphany, we are reminded to see the manifestation of God in our world. The primary symbol of Epiphany is light, which provides a glimmer of hope in the literal darkness of winter and the shadowy times of our lives.
The disturbing events of the past three weeks in Minnesota have plunged our country further into turmoil, and the darkness seems even deeper. The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the ongoing allegations of mistreatment of many others at the hands of ICE agents, reveal a pattern of dehumanization that is dangerous to us all.
On Saturday afternoon, I communicated with many of our clergy about the importance and challenges of our pastoral leadership at this time. In our discussions, I noted my own feelings of deep anger over what has taken place in our country, most recently and notably in Minnesota, and anxiety over what may happen next.
We may wonder where we find that Epiphany light, which is our symbol of hope.
In the past few days, I have been compelled by the reflections of The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota. In a worship service held via Zoom on January 13, and attended by several thousand people, Bishop Loya called us all to stand firmly in our faith and act as we are called to by our Baptismal Covenant. If you haven’t seen his message, I recommend it to you. View Bishop Loya’s reflection HERE.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe added in his statement to the whole Episcopal Church, “We will be required to hold fast to God’s promise to make all things new, because our call to follow God’s law surpasses any earthly power or principality that might seek to silence our witness.” Click HERE to read the Presiding Bishop’s Message
Our gospel message is one of life, not death, where peace reigns over violence. We follow a savior who exposed the false claims of powers and principalities and firmly questioned and stated what was true, without dehumanizing his listeners. Jesus modeled for us what it means to live in the light, where darkness shall not overcome it.
Guided by our baptismal covenant, we will continue to gather and worship, to proclaim the good news, to seek to serve others, and to love our neighbor fiercely. I encourage you to act and to reflect, and when you find yourselves sitting in a place of despair or helplessness, to gather with others.
These past two days, I have been with our people from all walks of life and have found in these gatherings faith, hope, and love. I have found commitment to the gospel, advocacy for others, and care for each other. I have found light that shines in the darkness, and by God, the darkness shall not overcome it.
I offer this prayer and invite you to pray it with me every day:
Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, Pg. 216
Faithfully,
