For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39)

Last week, I asked our congregation to remember the time when they believed, truly believed that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, the Son of the living God. I mentioned that we all come to Christ in different ways and we sometimes wander off the path. God invites us into relationship through the person of Jesus Christ. In today’s Gospel, Jesus has begun his public ministry. He goes to the synagogue in his home town. He pulls out the lesson from the scroll and reads to them.  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21)

Each of us is invited to be the light of Christ in a darkened world. This week in bible study someone mentioned that we might not be enough to overcome all the darkness in the world, but we can shine our light to those around us and that might just be able to start a ripple effect. Since the day that Jesus unrolled the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, followers have been commissioned to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. I ask you to find a bible passage that helps you to stay focused on our mission at St. John’s of knowing Christ and making Him known. We are called to love others as Christ loves us.

I have chosen Romans 8:38-39 because I realize that forces of darkness are always out there, but nothing can come between me and my relationship with Jesus Christ. I ask you to focus on a piece of scripture that helps you to stay focused on being the light (love) of Christ to those around you. Our parish is poised to fulfill the scripture right here and now. Please pray that wherever you might be, Christ will deepen his relationship with you. Please invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us at St. John’s as we grow our presence and ministry of hospitality in Huntington.

Our warden, Scott Cooley mentioned that this is the time of year when new members join one of the many ministries that we do at St. John’s. If you are new to St. John’s, please join us next week on February 3rd at a special time of 9:30am for service and for the annual meeting from 11:00-12:00. Our Breakfast Group, Thrift Shop, Spirituality Group, Racial Reconciliation Committee, Hilda’s Guild, Bible Study, Prayer Shawl Ministry, HIHI, Confirmation, New Members Classes, Altar Guild, Vestry, Choir, ECW, and Youth Group would love to have you join them in their ministry. You too will unroll that scroll from Isaiah and exclaim, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Amen. Amen.

In Christ’s love,

Fr. Duncan