Candles in the Snow and Ice

Today we heard from the gospel of Matthew, about the beginning of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. We heard a hint from Matthew, about the dangerous politics of their day, about violent dictators that put John in prison and from which Jesus fled.

Matthew tells us a little bit about the history of Galilee, writing:

[it was the] Land of Zebulun, [then it was the] land of Naphtali,

on the road by the sea, across the Jordan,

[now it is] Galilee of the Gentiles (Matthew 4:14-16)

Matthew is painting a historical map for us. He saying to his readers: You know that land between the sea and river? It used to be the sacred land of the ancestors of Moses, where we used to live in peace. But now it is ruled by the violent King Herod, appointed by the greedy and power-hungry Roman Empire.

These were dangerous times. King Herod is the one from the Christmas story, who "when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent [to be] killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under." (Matthew 2:16) Remember him?

Because of this dictator, the people of Galilee, Mattew wrote, were living in a great darkness. That darkness was caused by the cruelty and greed of King Herod who demanded complete loyalty.

The people of Galilee sat in darkness

even in the shadow of death (Matthew 4:16)

But great light emerged from that darkness in the person of Jesus, the light of the world. And a great light emerged from within the people too, who were devoted to gathering together to stand up for peace and justice as Jesus was.

I wonder if there is something for us to learn from them, for today?

What’s Happening in Minneapolis

These past two weeks, we have watched dark situations and shadows of death emerge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States. The situation there involves brutal leadership, too. Leaders who are directing violent raids against immigrants and allies, by the Immigration Enforcement police, called ICE.

In the past short while, “ICE … [has used] highly improper force and violence against [immigrants], against journalists, against religious leaders and against [peaceful] protesters.”(1)

Many people have reportedly been sent to prisons outside the US, where their families cannot even find them, let alone contact them. Others have been shot and killed by ICE officers. People who wanted to protect their neighbours including Renée Good and Alex Pretti. Many, many other people have been pepper sprayed, beaten or otherwise violently harmed.

These are dangerous times… s. The parallel to Gospel times are astounding. Just like in the Gospel of Matthew, it’s time for God’s peace to take precedence here.

Words of the Episcopal Bishop

Faith leaders are stepping forward in this moment, taking up the words of Isaiah… and the way of Christ.

One faith leader is an Episcopal Bishop (what we would call an Anglican Bishop). I wanted to share some of what he has spoken to this moment. He said (and his words have been edited slightly for clarity and context), he said:

“I want to speak briefly—primarily to the Christians among us.

“…The message of Jesus's love, compassion, and commitment to the poor, the outcast, the foreigner has been [lost]…

“I have told our clergy… to get their affairs in order—to make sure they have their wills written, because it may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.

“There are those who call themselves Christians… who are very close to the seats of the highest power in this country. Who tell us that the way the world works is by force. We've heard it this week from [US government officials].

“But, Paul in his letter to the Philippians said, “Let the same mind that was in Christ Jesus be in you.” Jesus, who, though he had every power in the world… chose instead to enter our humanity… and to take the posture of compassion, of peace, of vulnerability, to enter even death, even death on the cross.

“I'm speaking here to the Christians.

“That is what we are to model. Because life, the life that God wants for us, is stronger than what we see [with the ICE raids]: the cruelty, the injustice, [the killings, the beatings], the horror that we [have seen] unleashed in Minneapolis.

So that is my prayer.

““Those of us who are ready to build a new world, we also have to be prepared. If we truly want to live without fear, we cannot fear even death itself, my friends.

“And that is the stark truth of my faith. If I want to live and live with the fullness that God intends, I have to trust… in God.

“So, I'll leave with a prayer: Live without fear… and the Holy Spirit give you courage and strength and compassion to live these days. There is a new day ahead. A light is coming. Let this light shine. The darkness, the shadows of our lives will not overcome it.“

Jesus' Response

After John the Baptist was arrested and then killed for protesting the administration of his day, Jesus withdrew to Capernaum. It was there that Jesus walked on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He walked on the beach, perhaps gathering his thoughts, like many of us might do. Maybe it was there that he realized he couldn’t do God’s work of peace alone. So, he called the first people he saw: fisherman at the seaside. He asked them to gather with him.

In dangerous times, Jesus formed a community of like-minded people. And together he taught them non-violence and peace. He showed generosity for friend and for enemy. Offering healing and offering hope. He prayed. He taught. He fed and healed. His vision was to create a holy sanctuary here on earth, for all people. A place to thrive, for everyone.

Our Role in Times Like These

I have prayed these past weeks and months about how we might respond to or prepare for dangerous times like these. Us. Here in North and South Marysburgh. How might we be allies for peace and justice for our neighbours to the south, and how might we, in our churches, organize and be allies of peace and justice. Especially if the 51st State threat becomes a reality. How might we prepare and respond to dangeous times like these? What might we offer if dangerous times befall us, our area and the people who live here?

The words of my favourite hymn came to mind:

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I was a shepherd I would give a lamb.

If I was a wise man I would do my part

But what I can I give him, give my heart.

What do we have to share, to offer, to extend to the people of God? An answer came to me in the hymn: We can offer our hearts. We certainly pray always. And, we can offer a network of people who are well-connected to each other and who care, and who are good at putting their care into action. I’ve seen it in you all, and it is a light in the world. So let us not despair. Let us not be afraid. Into a hurting and suffering world, a world sitting in darkness, let us shine a light. Let us carry the light. Let us be the light.  Amen.

(1) Excerpts are from Excerpts from “Bishop Rob’s Reflection from the Renee Good Vigil in Concord, NH - January 9, 2026” on Episcopal Church of New Hampshire website. Link: https://www.nhepiscopal.org/blog. (Sourced: January 28, 2026).