Tag Archives: Christ’s Vision

The Great Light

Ordinary Time

January 16, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Isaiah 9:1-4
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
   on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
   as with joy at the harvest,
   as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
   and the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor,
   you have broken as on the day of Midian.

On a personal note, it has been a dark week. Monday morning, I received a call that one of my best friends through all 12 years of public school had died. Her obituary described well what a wonderful servant she was for doing her part to meet the needs of all. That evening I learned that a friend had died suddenly and unexpectedly who, by any measure, was one of the best legal advocates for all disadvantaged people but particularly immigrants in Oklahoma City.

This is also the week that newly elected leaders take their place in trying to find common ground for the Common Good when both at the federal level and the state level, some seem dedicated only to keeping the government in turmoil resulting in nothing getting done about very serious issues.

We, indeed, have seen a great light in the coming of Christ. Our great challenge is following that light. I fear we who call ourselves Christian have been caught up in the artificial lights of the world, causing us to lose sight of the light of Christ. Now is the time to rekindle the light of Christ, examine our lives to see if we are following his ways, and reignite his vision through our service and love.

Prayer: Lord, guide us in examining ourselves to discern where we may have slipped away from fulfilling your vision. Restore us to our mission. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Change

Eastertide
May 2, 2017

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. –Acts 2:43-47

How do we respond to paradigm shifts in our lives; those events that change our entire view of the world. Like those who chose to follow Christ in the first century, we, too at the beginning, might jump in with our whole being basking in the joy of the moment’s revelation.

Spending much of my life as a change agent, I can assure you change is not that easy and when change is attempted, we need to cling tightly to the source of our conviction that the change is imperative. A seasoned politician once told me that it takes at least ten years to pass meaningful change legislation. Our founding leaders had a vision of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It was sorely tested with the Civil War and still is not realized today. I cannot put a date on the beginning of a move toward universal health care in the USA for it began well before 1965 when Medicaid and Medicare were created. It sets on a shaky foundation, today.

Christ’s vision for our world, having stood the test of time, is as valid today as it was when the first followers broke bread together having the goodwill of all the people. Nowhere did anyone say it would be easy. Our striving toward attaining Christ’s vision is worth the effort.

Prayer: God of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, renew your vision within us and lead us toward making it reality. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the new Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.