Shadow and Light
Dear Sutton and Savannah,
I think that sometimes it’s good to take an inventory of our fears. What am I worried might happen? Does the fear of what might take place rob me of the joy of what is currently happening? Fear is an appropriate or understandable response to the future unknown, but so is excitement, or anticipation, or curiosity, or wonder. Consider the possibility that fear might be narrowing your vision so that you find it hard to see how the light of the Creator is revealing something new.
-Dad
Inside Out Lectionary Letters
Year A - 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (Texts, Art, Hymns)
Readings for January 25, 2026
Isaiah 9:1-4 / Psalm 27:1, 4-9 / I Cor. 1:10-18 / Matthew 4:12-23
The psalmist opens this song with a beautiful proclamation; “The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid.” It seems very natural to immediately think of all the external people and circumstances that cause us to fear. However, what if we shift our focus to the inward journey of faith. And, this shift to the inward journey is supported by scripture.
In verse 4 the psalmist says, “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” Jesus says in the Gospel of John that if we love him we will obey his teachings. Then the Father will love us and God will come and make God’s dwelling place with us and in us (John 14:23-15:11). Thus the house of the Lord is in us. The light of the divine resides within, and the journey of faith begins when we open ourselves to the light of self-exploration.
In many ways , the shadow side of our life can be more intimidating and frightening than any external circumstance. The accusatory voice within, the imposter syndrome that undermines our efforts, the history of abandonment, the feeling of worthlessness, all operate like enemies to our progress, and bondage to our soul. They are parts of ourself that we don’t want exposed to the light of day. But in this very place the divine light begins its redemptive work. As grace meets hurt and pain, the power of the shadow side begins to shift from shame to song, from fear to freedom, and from guilt to hope. Here is where darkness and light come together; where the internal rhythm of the soul begins to dance in harmony with the rhythms of creation.
Prayer
Lord, may the roots of my fear be replanted in the soil of Your grace and may the light of Your love produce a crop of insight and peace. Amen