A Light so Bright
"Listen to me, O coastlands; pay attention, you peoples from far away!”
Isaiah’s greeting feels—a little close to home today, since we are people of the coastland who are far away from this prophet (both in time and place). It also feels close to home because it’s a call to action in a time of exile and everyday feels more and more like our Jesus way of living is further and further from the way of this world, certainly a growing cultural exile.
I was just on a Zoom call with other ministers from across the country, talking about connection with younger generations and a colleague noted that her church's reputation in their rural town was mostly from their food-bank and services for unhoused folx. And that there were polarizing thoughts on whether these services were “good,” that neighbours were upset with “those people” coming to their part of town, and that this was all the fault of the church. While others noted this was why they loved the church, it was actually helping in time of need.
What a thing to be known for, loving your neighbour! And what a thing to be known for in a derogatory way!
Isaiah's call, to be servants of the Lord most high, to fulfill the calling placed in our souls in our Mother’s womb, to be a light so bright the world can’t help but notice—is one for us to rekindle today. To remember that God indeed has a plan for us, one rooted in love, service to the other, and deep commitment to the Gospel.
So what’s hindering you in this area of growth?
What’s your plan, today, to challenge the norms of Western culture and be known instead for love and compassion?
How can we live life as a community that makes us known by our love for our neighbours?
All of these things done so that:
“Kings will see, get to their feet—the princes, too—
and then fall on their faces in homage
Because of God, who has faithfully kept his word,
The Holy of Israel, who has chosen you.” (MSG)
Daniel Martin