by The Rev. Bob Davidson, Bridge Priest
This coming Sunday, Epiphany IV, January 28, we will focus on the theme “Witnessing your LIGHT with power.”
In the sermon this week we begin to see the early stages of Jesus’ preaching and his confronting a man possessed by an evil spirit. All of this is taking place in his native region of Galilee, with our gospel reading ending with these words: “At once Jesus’ fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.”
Remember, even though Jesus had lived in Nazareth for, we imagine, almost 30 years, he was not known as a rabbi or religious leader within the Jewish community of that area. In fact, Mark’s gospel records people’s reaction to Jesus’ teaching as follows: “They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
During Epiphany we have been following the spread of the light first to a few gathered at the stable, then to foreign visitors in the Magi, on the banks of the Jordan River at Jesus’ baptism, and last week in the calling of the first disciples of Jesus. The light is radiating out and another thing is beginning to happen as people observe this illumination: there is Power generated by God’s light.
At St. Paul’s, God is empowering us to claim our share of God’s light and step out into the world as witnesses of this Kingdom. Each of us is invited to allow the power of God’s light to transform our barely visible light within us to shine forth with power and brilliance. Will you join your church family in stepping out with the power of this light to serve God in your family, your church, your community and the world?
Epiphany blessings to you and your family,
Rev. Bob Davidson, Bridge Priest
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