
Citizenship in the Kingdom of God
I have been involved in justice ministry since 1958. During that time, I have known dozens Read More
Jackson Droney | Read Isaiah 60:1-6
During election season, political candidates often say, “Our best days are still to come!” It’s a rallying cry, a rhetorical flourish aimed to lift the audience. And yet in recent years it hasn’t landed so well, at least in the United States. Polls consistently show that a significant majority of...
O Holy One, help us see the ways you are at work in bringing wholeness to the world. Give us the courage to discern what is ours to do to support your longing for wholeness. Amen.
This week’s readings illuminate key touchstones in our faith journey, all of which are drawn together in baptism. The prophet Isaiah invites us to consider living with divine hope, and the psalmist reminds us to use our power for the sake of the poor. Then, Paul challenges us with a call to radical inclusion. And the three wise men show us how to be present, open, and hold expectations lightly. These readings invite us into a deeper relationship with God. Things are not what they seem at first glance or consideration. We’re invited to keep growing in our walk of faith. With water, John baptizes Jesus who will in turn baptize us with fiery, life-changing love. Living in response to that love makes our faith journey not a chore or obligation but a source of deep joy and inspiration.
• Read Isaiah 60:1-6. How do you define divine hope?
• Read Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14. In what ways do you have power to effect change? How does championing the poor fit into your walk of faith?
• Read Ephesians 3:1-12. How has your understanding of what it means to include everyone changed over time? What was hardest to change?
• Read Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. What difference does being a baptized child of God make in your life?
Respond by posting a prayer.