Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Today's text

Matthew 4:12-16

Hearing that John had been arrested he withdrew to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, beside the lake, on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea beyond Jordan. Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a country of shadow dark as death a light has dawned.

Prayer

Why did you withdraw, Jesus? Did you need space to wonder and worry about John? Were you afraid for yourself? Did you need time to consider your next move, lest it be forced upon you before you could choose a way consonant with your own heart?

It is easy to imagine you there by the lakeshore, staring into the dark water wondering what the Hoy Mystery wants of you now that John has departed the stage. And you must have considered the likelihood of his death. The ways of despots were well known to you.

So you withdrew, but you could never withdraw from yourself, which is good news for us, Jesus. For it did not matter if you drew back or fully engaged the swirling circumstances: You were and remain this living intimacy with Loving Mystery no matter where you were and are.

On Capernaum’s streets, you walked, seeing, talking, eating, drinking, blessing, loving, eternity’s living light shining on whatever darkness dimmed the faces you encountered.

Did they know they were seeing the light of life in your eyes? Some surely caught a glimpse and were moved to want more of you. I have no reason to imagine they were much different from me in that way.

The shadows that darken human life and joy are little changed over the centuries. Yesterday’s sins and fears continue to haunt the heart today, moving us to hope for a freedom of mind and soul that are known only in your presence.

So don’t withdraw from me, Jesus. Be yourself near and in this heart of mine.

Pr. David L. Miller