Though darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds, the peoples,
Upon you the LORD will dawn,
and over you his glory will be seen. Isaiah 60:2
Today I will not let the darkness of the pandemic, political posturing, and social tumult cover me. I will shine the glory of God’s love and compassion and comfort in my home, workplace, and community to help dissipate the clouds of fear, unrest, and discord that trouble our world.
Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. Colossians 3:12-13a
By God’s gracious gift of life to all people, we are family, united in God’s unconditional love for each of us. Let us honor and respect each other by remembering our relationship to God and one another.
Vasily Polenov (1844-1927)
Christ Among Teachers, 1896
Moscow, Tretyakov Gallery
Listen to the Word. Sit with holy Scripture. You will be astounded to find the understanding you crave, the answers you seek.
After three days they found [Jesus] in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:46-47
Mary Ann McSweeny 