Dear People of St. James’,
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that last year around this time, Connor and I were just starting to make arrangements to move to Austin to be with you by February 18. What a year it has been! I am excited to get to share the highlights with you, as well as a vision for this coming year at our Annual Parish Meeting on January 26.
This week, though, we celebrate Epiphany, the revelation of God’s love to all the world. The story of the magi, the wise men, always amazes me because it is so strange. It is strange that somehow God speaks to those who were far off and leads them, in spite of many dangers and the darkness of the world, to the child of hope, and there they bear witness to God’s salvation. They somehow know that this child is priest, prophet, and king, doomed to die, but destined to bring about new life.
I love the story of Epiphany because it is just as strange as the stories of those first Christ-followers who came to see and know Jesus as Christ. It is just as strange as our own stories of coming to see and know Jesus. How gracious and unexpected is God’s light that leads us through the dangers and darkness of the world to the heart of God’s being!
As we embark upon a new year, let us resolve to take on the practices, the rule of life, prescribed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for those marching for a new world in 1963:
- Remember the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation, not just victory.
- Remember, always walk and talk in a manner of love, for God is love.
- Remember, pray daily to be used by God.
- Remember, sacrifice personal wishes so that all might be free.
- Remember, observe with friend and foe alike, the ordinary, normal rules of courtesy.
- Remember, perform services for others and for the world.
- Remember, refrain from violence of the fist and violence of the spirit.
- Remember, strive to be in good bodily and spiritual health.
But the first practice named by Dr. King, the one that served as the foundation of all of these, was the practice of Epiphany: meditate on the life and the teachings of Jesus. Seek to see and know Jesus. Set out to find him, even if you believe that you are very far from him. Join with companions in the journey and bring what gifts you have. God’s love, which gives light to the world, will do the rest.
May 2020 be filled with God’s gracious light, guiding you in the paths of love, justice, and peace.
Rev. Eileen
