Saturday, November 5, 2016

Year C, Proper 28, Luke 21:5-19, "A time of tribulation", or "post election blues"

I write prior to the results of the 2016 Election, but find it somewhat poignant that the first Sunday following the election we will hear Jesus' words about the great tribulation that is to come.  Wars and insurrections.  Natural disasters.  Many will claim to be the Savior, but don't believe them.

"They will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify."

Now mind you, I'm a skeptic.  I rather believe that regardless of the outcome of this election, the end will not be near.  Not only will we endure, but, believe it or not, the American democracy will as well.  Breathe deeply, now.  This is not the end of the world.

But it may give us the opportunity to testify.  In a world that has gone so awry it would be great if the Church were to find its voice anew.  

Can we speak of hope when half the country is convinced that calamity will come because of the outcome of the election?

Can we speak of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God, even as many are convinced that we just elected Satan's servant to the highest office of our land?

Can we bear witness to the reconciling work of Christ amid all the polarization and strife of our day?

And perhaps most importantly, can we trust that God is still the Lord and King of us all?  Next weeks theme, by the way.

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