On September 12th, we begin a new cycle in the Narrative Lectionary. We begin this holy story with God speaking a word and all of creation springs into life. Here are the opening lines to the story of God, and the story of us: In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
God speaks “Let there be light” and there was light. It’s a beautiful way to begin the story of God’s power and faithfulness in the world. From there, we will hear stories of God’s commitment and love for humanity. Along with these stories of grace, will be times of frustration God has for us and times of frustration we have for God. Our relationship with God will have its ups and downs, but God will remain faithful to creation even when our faithfulness wavers. This comes into its fullness when we reach the Gospel of John. Here are the opening lines of the Gospel of John: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Here, the story of God and the story of us makes a dramatic move. God comes to us in the person of Jesus. It’s a light that no darkness can overcome. I’m super-excited about the texts we will be hearing this year. The Revised Common Lectionary scatters the Gospel of John here and there during the 3-year cycle, whereas the Narrative Lectionary provides us with the opportunity to immerse ourselves into John’s story from Advent through Easter. Be with us Lord, as we listen and respond to your Holy Word.
Peace, P Derek
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