FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27; Matthew 9:27-31
"Are we there yet?" Later, in gridlocked traffic, the other daughter groans, "How much longer?" I say, "Come on, ladies! Once we arrive, it will be ah-mazing! Sun, sea, cousins!"
While a 14-hour family drive pales in comparison to centuries-long exile, the prophets offered a vision in trying times. The vulnerable would be uplifted, tyrants would be no more, and one community would be rooted in justice with God. It was a beautiful vision of hope…but how could they live in hope when all they knew was strife?
The prophets shared narratives like the ones from Jewish communities. Their practices and temple were taken, yet one day’s worth of oil that miraculously burned eight days brought light in the darkness and invited them to remember. Hanukah reminded them who they were, where they came from, and that they were beloved by God.
"The Lord is our light and salvation…"
Are we not different from our ancestors? We face challenges daily; times feel dark. Let us mirror those before us – providing encouragement during trying times, retelling stories to remind ourselves who we are and why we exist. Let us recognize ourselves as co-creators in the healing ministry.
Laura Richter, MDiv, Executive Advisor, Formation
SSM Health
Pause
How can we recognize our role as visionaries, sharing stories of hope and peace?
Pray
God of the Universe, Creator of Light and Dark: You have formed us together as one body to proclaim Your peace. Draw us beyond our own narrowness to recognize Christ within ourselves and one another. Help us to choose unity – humility over pride and patience over anger. Make in us Your dwelling place, O God, that we may be worthy builders of Your Kingdom and true instruments of Your grace. Amen.