 |
| A candle is a symbol of hope. Given at baptisms it calls Christians to spread justice and peace through their life's words and actions. |
On Epiphany Day, the revelation of Christ’s light for the world, we saw a very dark day for the United States.
Jesus' birth brought hope of peace for a world in sin. But his infant life was threatened by a ruthless king.
Yesterday, January 6, 2021, an angry mob stormed the US Capitol in Washington D.C., to get their way in rejecting the outcome of the presidential election.
I am a legal resident in the United States. I am proud and grateful to live in this country. I was shocked and felt violated watching average Americans and hothead radicals force their way into the US Capitol. Taking over the seat of government by force is not a legal demonstration of views. It was the outcome of incitement that has gone on for too long, and needs to be stopped before more blood is shed across this nation.
Notwithstanding the motivations of intruders and consequences for those responsible, including president Trump, this unprecedented, scary and embarrassing incident is disturbing evidence for the anger and violence that had been incited and condoned by political greed and the spread of misinformation.
Indeed, the truth of God's will is for people to live free and share God’s blessings with each other. Faithfulness and patriotism both require a confrontation of injustices and an appeal to the goodwill of people to reject violent chaos and lawless abuse, by commitment to unity around agreed norms and selfless kindness toward everyone.
Jesus lived and died for these ideals. He set an example for dedication to God and to others that is opposite of the rioters and any who show sympathy for their actions. In following Jesus Christians must denounce the sin of division and demand commitment to order. And Jesus calls every person, regardless of political or religious affinity, that we defend God's gifts of life, liberty, and democratic pursuit of happiness.
The way I see it, the abhorring attack on the Capitol, democracy, and this nation’s values of unity, liberty and justice on Epiphany Day, is a reminder that it is up to each and every one of us to shine our light into this dark world so that the light of God’s peace will continue to bring and end to anger and give way to peace.
Join me, and let your light of faith, hope and love shine.
