Over the past several months I have had numerous conversations with people who are somewhat dismayed with the state of affairs in our state, nation, and the world.
I have listened to concerns related to mass shootings, major hurricanes, devastating wildfires, and mass migrations due to gang activity in Central America and wars in the Middle East and Africa. Not only do we wrestle with the events themselves, but we also wrestle with the political implications and debates surrounding such events.
To make matters worse, truth and sound ethical reasoning no longer seem to carry any weight with those in power. The attitude appears to be, “In this post-modern, post-truth age, truth is whatever I say it is.”
Many of us watch with dismay as political campaigns are waged with the use of advertisements which are outright racist – they are meant to foment division and to stir up fear. Many are saying, “Woe is me, for I am a bit undone!”
In this week’s Revised Common Lectionary readings, Jesus tells his disciples, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray” (Mark 13.5-6; NRSV). Jesus then tells them not to be alarmed when they hear of wars and rumors of wars; he foretells earthquakes and famines; then, he tells the disciples that these “are but the beginning of the birth pangs” of a new creation (Mark 13.8; NRSV).
So, what now? How are we as Christians to respond in these distressing times? In our reading from Hebrews we find a call to persevere in the theological virtues of faith, hope and love.
First, faith: Given that Jesus Christ has made the sacrifice once and for all, and given that Christ is “a great priest over the house of God,” we are to approach God’s throne of grace “with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”
Second, hope: “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.”
Third, love: “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day [of judgment] approaching” (Hebrews 10.19-25; NRSV).
Beware, keep alert, and pray! Live in faith, hope and love!
