Third Sunday in Advent + Lectionary 34
(In-Person @ 637 S. Dearborn or Online)
Zoom Passcode: 068508
Third Sunday in Advent + Lectionary 34
(In-Person @ 1218 W Addison or Online)
Why does it seem so much harder these days to cope with the problems in our country and world? Throughout history there have always been hard times. What’s different, some say, is the screen in front of our face. All day long. Getting constant updates. One commentator said we should read or watch the news once a day, and then turn it off. Get on with your day. Do you work. Love your family. Say your prayers.
Today’s apocalyptic readings reveal that humanity continues to face daunting times. Empires rise and fall. There are wars and earthquakes. Fear and unrest. It’s part of life, then and now. The question is: how do we cope?
Even before Election Day, I was spent and exhausted. Like many of you, carrying worry and stress. Hearing hateful, divisive speech that you think can’t ratchet any higher. Or lower. Sexism and racism and transphobia and xenophobia.
I woke up Wednesday depleted. Dispirited. Dejected. Quite emotional, I preached at the seminary that morning, not feeling in my midsection much good news to proclaim.
When times of hopelessness arise, just like the summer when George Floyd was murdered, or the week when the genocide in Palestine became a prominent news story, I turn to my mentors, my elders, and my ancestors in search of practical wisdom. I turn to God and my community, to express my rage and anger in prayer. To be held in love, and to find a way to cope.
The disciples admire the stones in the large buildings as they leave the temple. They are amazed at the scale of the place, but Jesus shuts them down immediately. I find myself being that person in conversations often. I try not to say it out loud, but when my friends get excited about McDonald’s new deals or when they gossip about the latest Tesla model – all I can think of are the atrocities that are fueled by those companies. I’m aware that it kills the mood when I mention colonialism or the evils of capitalism during a night out with friends, so I hold back.