Monthly Archives: February 2025

eBrethren

Be the light

Posted on by
Reply
Photo by Craig Thompson
www.brethren.org/oghs

A theme interpretation and scriptural exegesis written by Rev. Barbara Essex for the 2025 One Great Hour of Sharing

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” ~Matthew 5:14, The Message

The fifth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel opens with the Sermon on the Mount and Beatitudes. At first glance, Jesus’ words are shocking—people who are burdened in mind, body, and spirit are actually blessed!

Despite their situation or condition, they are already winning…or maybe, it is because of their pain that blessings come. The anxiety, fear, grief, confusion, hunger, discouragement, and despair they experience actually put them closer to God. Jesus does not glorify pain; rather, he teaches that such suffering puts them first in God’s heart. God is there to help and heal—as a gift, no conditions, and no strings. They are part of God’s family, God’s Reign, and God’s Kingdom. God’s Kingdom is more than a place or future destination—it is a relationship with a loving and just God.

Jesus does not sugar-coat the reality of most people during his day. He declares that their suffering is not the end of the story. God sees them and hears their cries; God moves to alleviate their pain, in the short run and the long run. God’s Reign of love and healing is already happening—bringing life out of death, joy out of sorrow, hope out of despair.

Jesus cautions that the response to God’s blessing is not one of passivity. He makes clear that God’s children are blessed and are to be a blessing to and for others; those who receive, are to give back.

God’s Reign is not a spectator sport; the faithful do not have the option to sit back and watch events unfold. They are invited and challenged to be something and to do something. Followers of Jesus are transformed—from the inside out—as they receive the gifts of God’s grace and are called to gift others with love, compassion, and generosity.

Jesus’ entire ministry is active—teaching, preaching, healing, connecting. Jesus sets the standard for “Kingdom-living”—where love, unity, and harmony are the benchmarks for community life. Jesus invites us all to be active—doing what we can to embody compassion; to stand up for equity and fairness; to care for those in need without seeking reward or notoriety. Jesus teaches his disciples—and us—that God’s Reign is a present reality and a future hope.

For Jesus, God’s Reign is about forming communities of diverse people, living as siblings, caring for each other and the created order; communities of justice and love where all are fed, sheltered, healed, and safe. Jesus declares that God’s Reign is happening right now, even as we wait for its fulfillment.

Jesus invites his listeners—and us—to live fully into the gift and grace God offers—be the gift that keeps on giving; be the light that keeps on shining. Many of the ordinary people listening to, and eavesdropping on, Jesus’ conversation with his disciples that day understand and dedicate themselves to the challenge.

Jesus assures us that we are what God intends—open-hearted, generous, compassionate—it’s already in us. By fully living into our identity as children of God, we spread God-colors throughout the world…bearing light and hope and love to a desperate and dying world.

Have you ever watched suncatchers? Suncatchers are ornaments made of glass, crystal, or some translucent material. Usually hung in a window or outdoors, suncatchers spin to reflect and filter light, casting color in the area surrounding them—hues of blue and red and green and purple and yellow: a limitless array of colors and patterns that symbolize warmth, love, compassion, generosity, hospitality. Suncatchers bear and spread color—just as our good deeds bear light and send color into the world.

Be light—in your home, church, and community. Tutor students after school; make a casserole for a bereaved family; gather signatures for petitions that highlight important issues; pick up trash around your neighborhood; make blankets for the unsheltered—let the need beckon you to action.

Be light—in the world by making a generous contribution to One Great Hour of Sharing. Your gift supports those who are doing ministry throughout the United States and across the globe—bringing hope, expertise, compassion, and love to places we may never visit and people we may never meet. Your giving to OGHS provides funding and hands-on assistance and promotes collaboration with local and international partners.

Be the light! For the sake of sisters and brothers who have renewed hope because you care enough to shine.

Be the light! So that women and men around the world can find their way and know that there is a path forward.

Be the light! Sharing God-colors with all you encounter!

Give generously to One Great Hour of Sharing! Follow in the footsteps of The Light of the World! Shine brightly!

Learn more about this year’s One Great Hour of Sharing (suggested date: March 16) and find worship resources at www.brethren.org/oghs. Give an offering today at www.brethren.org/giveoffering.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

eBrethren

Is this for real?

Posted on by
1
Photos by Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria, Kathy Howell, and Church of the Brethren staff

By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement communications

“When the [disciples of John] came to Jesus, they said, ‘John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ’ //  At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.’” ~Luke 7:20-22, NIV

During the most trying times of our lives—perhaps even in recent days—how many of us have asked, “Is this for real?” When circumstances in our country or the world occur that we could not have imagined or when events in our personal lives happen that we did not expect, we can feel caught off-guard, confused, or concerned.

As John the Baptist saw hurting people in his community and harmful actions of the empire, it seems he questioned in whom it was safe to place hope. Despite his doubts, John took a step of faith. He raised a question with his disciples (for which he also sent them to gather an answer): “Jesus, are you the real deal?”

John’s doubts can give us great comfort. The gospel of Luke tracks the narrative for us. This is the same John who jumped the first time he was in a room with Jesus—while they were both in the womb—startling his mother and creating a memory about which John certainly heard often as he grew up (Luke 1:39-45). This is also the same John who baptized Jesus and saw the christening of the Holy Spirit like a dove and the voice of God echoing the same blessing (Luke 3:21-22). Even after John had both of these first-hand encounters with Jesus, he still had doubts! If he could, surely there’s room for you, for me, for anyone to have doubts and questions in trying times.

As John’s disciples approached Jesus and asked their question, Jesus didn’t immediately share an answer. Jesus continued in his ministry of healing and encouragement, and then shared these words:

“Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”

Throughout our lives, there are times when we search for welcoming spaces and find disappointment or rejection instead. Even people who say that they value hospitality, peace, and love may not realize that their actions convey an entirely different message.

In contrast, what a breath of fresh air it is when people confess the peace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and they reveal by how they live that they mean it. What a blessing it is to find life-giving environments where people see the words of Jesus as challenges to wrestle with in community, not controversial words to shy away from.

Among the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren (in congregations and through denominational work, in the US and around the world), the markers of Christ-like service, holistic peace, and the abundant love of God are seen and heard among us. We walk alongside survivors of disaster and turmoil of many kinds. We provide spaces where people can find healing and comfort. We identify and create opportunities with people of all walks of life to grow in relationship with one another and to follow the ways of Jesus together. As we do these things and many more, we help others hold on to hope.

I invite you to reflect on these questions: How do we see ourselves continuing the work of Jesus? When people encounter us, how will they know with certainty that we’re walking and talking and living like Jesus? (Please feel welcome to share your reflections with us at MA@brethren.org.)

As we go about our work, our play, and our rest, let us remember that there are people around us who are hurting, concerned, or scared in ways we can’t always see or imagine. As they encounter us, they may be asking:  Is this person for real? Is this church the real deal? Is the healing work of Jesus present here? May our actions and words provide clear answers to these questions, especially through trying times.

Learn more about the faith-building and life-changing work of the Church of the Brethren at www.brethren.org/greatthings. Support our mission and ministry today at www.brethren.org/give.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)