We find deep echoes with our own sense of exile in modern times, whether it be exiled from our own soul in the mire of personal loss and pain at this time of year, or the exile and disconnection of our communal soul in a national time of divisive change and uncertainty.
The apostles at Jerusalem heard something extraordinary: Samaria had embraced the word of God. Without hesitation, they sent Peter and John to pray for them, laying hands on them so they might receive the Holy Spirit.
Imagine the scene: crowds gathered, the waters of the Jordan River rippling with expectation.
As we step into the season of Epiphany, we are invited to behold Jesus for who He truly is and to reflect on the extraordinary ways Jesus manifests in our lives.