Darkness and Light

In the Epistle this week, we heard:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you

may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

The theme of darkness and light, which is most often part of the narratives of Advent and Lent, is still much in my thoughts in these days. At the same time there are so many images and stories of heroism and deep compassion, there seems to be an equal number of incomprehensible images and stories of violence, selfish arrogance, and lack of compassion. Sometimes I feel like my psyche is roiling up and down in an ocean storm, from high to low.

One thing in all this stands out for me with simple clarity: we need each other. I cannot care for the sick; I cannot research a vaccine; I cannot stock my grocery shelves; I cannot ranch, transport, and slaughter cattle; I cannot harvest wheat and grind flour. It is clear in this time of isolation that I need others--we all need each other. Our lives are entwined in a tapestry of community and communion. 

Some of you have been joining me for evening prayer each night, and by now I've repeated two of those daily prayers we've been using that I have them committed to memory. My prayer today is that all of us, knowing that we are called out of darkness into marvelous light, would have them committed to our hearts:

O God, your unfailing providence sustains the world we live in and the life we live: Watch over those, both night and day, who work while others sleep, and grant that we may never forget that our common life depends upon each other’s toil; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Yours in hope and love,
Fr. Keith