Birthing Light in Dark Times

 

Mark 13:1-8

Proper 28 / Year B

The Church year is drawing to a close, so it is not by coincidence several of today’s readings draw from the apocalyptic genre of writing in Scripture.  This style uses vivid imagery to speak about current events too dangerous to address directly given the political climate of the time.  Its message, in the face of dire circumstances, most often is this: “Do not be afraid.  The difficulties of the present will pass.  God will see to it.  Something marvelous is about to happen.  Keep the faith, be watchful, and remain strong.”

At the end of today’s teaching, Jesus tells his followers when the warning signs begin “This is but the beginning of the birth pangs”.  Birth pangs literally refer to when a pregnant woman’s labor begins through the time of delivery.  Initially, the pain comes in intervals of about thirty minutes, but it speeds up in frequency to perhaps to once a minute.  It intensifies and becomes nearly unbearable.  When reflecting on this passage with several of my colleagues I asked those who have carried a child what it is like to anticipate birth pangs.  To a person they said it was a time mixed with anxiety and fear and a tremendous sense of anticipation for the new life to come.  Birth pangs in a potent metaphor for what the Cambridge Dictionary defines as “the problems that come with the start of something new, especially a big social change.” 

Some folks in the Christian tradition view apocalyptic readings as being predictive signs of the second coming of Christ, but, as I said, at the time of their writing they spoke to an ominous reality being faced by many at that time.  This by no means means apocalyptic writings have no significance or value in our day and age because often we live in a time of one peril or another.  The plea not to be afraid, the promise the difficulties in the present will pass, the assurance God will see to it, the hope something marvelous is about to happen, and the call to keep the faith, be watchful, and remain strong has something important to say to us in this post-election time in our country.

It occurs to me whether you voted for President-Elect Trump or for Vice President Harris there is something we all share in common: a belief this is a dark time for our nation.  Some see brightness on the horizon while others sense the darkness is expanding and deepening.  No matter your perspective we people of faith also have a common call to be the light of Christ in the world. 

For those who place great hope in the next administration I want to say you cannot abdicate your responsibility to be a light to a single political figure.  Voting alone does not fulfil your call to birth God’s love into this world.  And for those whose sense of what is about to come feels gloomier, let me remind you when you light a candle at noon, not much changes, but when you light it at night, darkness, no matter how deep, is overcome.  And, just as one candle has the power to dispel darkness from a room, so too God’s love being birthed in and through you has the power to transform our world. 

An old friend posted a quote by R.L. Knot.  She is the author of a best-selling book on Gentle Parenting:

Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world.

All things break.

All things can be mended.

Not with time, as they say, but with intention.

So go.

Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.

The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.

Let me now turn to Thom and the Choir who weeks ago began working on an anthem, not knowing its message would be the perfect way to wrap up today’s sermon. 

Have You Heard God’s Voice?  – Frederick Chatfield

Have you heard God’s voice; has your heart been stirred?

Are you still prepared to follow?

Have you made a choice to remain and serve,

  though the way be rough and narrow?

Will you use your voice; will you not sit down

  when the multitudes are silent?

Will you make a choice to stand your ground

  when the crowds are turning violent?

Will you walk the path that will cost you much

  and embrace God’s love and sorrow?

Will you trust in One who entrusts to you

  the disciples of tomorrow?

Will you watch the news with the eyes of faith

  and believe it could be different?

Will you share your views using words of grace?

Will you leave a thoughtful imprint?

In your city streets will you be God’s heart?

Will you listen to the voiceless?

Will you stop and eat, and when friendships start,

  will you share your faith with the faithless?

We will walk the path that will cost us much

  and embrace God’s love and sorrow?

Will you trust in One who entrusts to you

  the disciples of tomorrow.        ~ Jacqui G. Jones