01/26/2026
Pastoral Letter: Radiating the Light for Minnesota
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:12-17)
Many would reasonably argue that darkness engulfs our world and that we are desperately in need of a “great light.” We long to realize that a “light has dawned.” As we watch what is unfolding on the streets of Minneapolis, it is hard for us to believe and even harder to proclaim that “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” It is hard for us to turn our faces to the light that is dawning upon us.
When Jesus exhorts us to “repent,” He is inviting us to change our mind about something. He is inviting us to realize that our minds belong to and can be transformed by the values of the Kingdom of Heaven which has come near. Our minds do not belong to the culture, values, and darkness of today’s society. We have a new hope. A new light has dawned upon us. Jesus is inviting us to radiate that new light and the values of that Kingdom of Heaven to the world around us.
In his recent message to the church, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe says this: “In the coming years, our church will continue to be tested in every conceivable way as we insist that death and despair do not have the last word…” So, how can we insist that death and despair do not have the last word? What does that look like for you? What specifically is God calling you to do radiate the Light of Christ to the world? How are you being called to combat the darkness? We are in need of light. What candle are you lighting?
This morning, in a telephone conversation, Bishop Craig Loya shared with me that the people of Minnesota deeply value your prayers and expressions of solidarity and support. Additionally, he asks, if you are so inclined to contact your political representatives, he would encourage you to do that. And finally, he commends to you the ministry of Casa Maria in Minneapolis, MN: https://www.saint-nicks.org/casamaria This is a feeding ministry of the Episcopal Church who is now actively engaged in delivering groceries to immigrants who do not want to risk leaving their homes. If you choose, you may donate through the website or send a check to the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, 1101 W Broadway #1, Minneapolis, MN 55411. (Please write in the memo line that the donation is intended for Casa Maria).
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works: who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen..
