Newsletter from the Retired Clergy - January 2022

To read entire newsletter click here January 2022 Newsletter RCA

All Sojourners and Asylum Seekers

“Go and search for the child”. Matt 2:8

The Advent, Nativity, and Epiphany dove-tail with the inspirational mystery of the three magi and their holy perseverance in a destination written in the stars. The sages of the “east” were undeterred in their response to the celestial harbinger of redemption and salvation. These “THREE” traveled and traversed hill and dale, mountain, and river trail in holy obedience to a wonder no one else had ever seen . . .A MOVING STAR!

Acknowledging the wondrous sight and hopeful of its message, they trod endlessly in expectation of a cosmic delight. I would suspect that all of us, in one way or another, imitate the “THREE” in the daily experience of living the moment, day after day. We too, are anticipating a cosmic delight at the end of our journey. Yes, our intimate, personal, and determined destiny may be fulfilled by God’s Grace.

Everyone searches for the deeper meaning of life, existence, purpose and God-desired end. Sojourners all, we seek the path of righteousness and liberty that unbinds us from the fetters of secular, mundane, earthly concern. Upon reaching the temporal Bethlehem, bathed in the light of the star, the THREE magi gazed reverently and admirably upon another “star” of brilliant light, THE CHRIST! He proclaims himself as THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, thus dispelling the eerie cosmic darkness. Christ is the only refuge of the abandoned, lonely, asylum seeker. Upon finding Jesus, our search is complete and satisfied.

Our challenges in life are neither intolerable, nor unimaginable. We welcome the test of time and place in the face of adversity. Assured that every obstacle is an opportunity is for us to recognize God’s place in our life. His loving intervention, compassionate outreach, and embrace restore us. He’s there! He’s always there! Just reach out in prayer and listen in the quietude of your soul. He speaks with soundless words. Through your “refugee experience,” you can by example bring others into His joy. Trusted companions, both kin and friend, are likewise searching on the journey as refugees. Give them a portion of your introspective “light.” Share the radiance with those who share the road with you and me. 

V. Rev. Eugene N. Pappas,

RCA President