Matthew quotes Isaiah in this week’s gospel to set the stage for how we are to see Jesus. That he is the light of dawn when we are in the shadow of death.

This is a great image. It is also really big picture. And I think most of us struggle with making this feel real.

We know Jesus is to be our savior. But when our burden is rent or utilities, we’re not sure what this saving is supposed to look like (other than a rent check).

I suspect we’re thinking it is a choice between a literal and metaphorical view of our faith. But life is never so easily split.

We are the hands and feet of Christ, literally offering hope to each other and faith in Christ can move mountains. In every way, hope, then, is our greatest asset.