(From September, 2019 Trinitarian)
I hardly ever watch the news or read my newspaper
anymore. It’s not that I’m not interested in what is
going on in the world or even just that there are days
when it’s just too overwhelming. Most of the time
what appears on the evening news programs or in
the newspapers I have already read or seen through
various social media channels.
An increasing challenge nowadays is looking critically
at the news that finds its way onto our newsfeeds. It
seems that no matter your “leanings”, the news that
we read or watch approaches their reports with their
own slants. It’s difficult to really discern what reality
amidst all this information is.
I struggle with this – not just with discovering the
truth of a story, but with the wide range of
viewpoints.
And even more so with the amount of
division that arises from these varying perspectives. It’s not just that they are different, but rather often
seen as the only truth of a situation and that the
opposing viewpoint is just wrong.
I mourn the loss of the ability to really listen and hear
one another. I confess the ways in which I too find
myself judging those who may see things differently.
I wonder at how we have gotten to this time and
place.
But even more so, as a person of faith – I pray for
discernment – not only for truth but also for ways in
which we are called to live and respond to this
current reality in our country. Beyond my own
personal viewpoints, how might I – how might we –
be a Christian witness amidst it all. More than just
forming a statement, but in our relationships with
one another.
Jesus said “For where two or three are gathered in
my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew
18:20). While this verse is often used in general
gatherings of Christians, particularly worship, it is
always important to look at the context. This verse
comes right after Jesus presents his version of a
“conflict resolution policy” (Matt. 18:15-19) and
before Jesus teaching on forgiveness with the
parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-35).
Jesus is among us, not just when we gather for
church events, but in all of our moments – even in
our conflicts and divisions. Christ is not a silent
bystander but at the center of our gatherings to
point us to the way of love and mercy. Christ calls us
into conversations to not just speak but to really
listen to one another.
We are called to speak and
listen with mouths full of grace and ears opened with
compassion. We are invited to hear not in order to
respond but to listen with the intent to understand.
Sisters and brothers in Christ – we are God’s beloved
called to witness to the power of Christ’s presence in
all of our moments, particularly in the most difficult
of moments.
We are invited to think on our own
perspectives, searching for the roots of our
responses – thinking about what from our own
backgrounds and experiences reflect our responses.
We are then invited to do the same with those with
whom we are in conflict or disagreement. Often
things aren’t as simple as we perceive them.
And then we are to pray – without ceasing – for the
discernment of God’s Word amidst this moment.
Not just what would Jesus do or say, but how might
we experience and express Christ’s love and mercy
amidst this situation. How might the presence of
Jesus be reflected here?
We live in a difficult time, one fraught with division.
I wish there was a simple solution. I pray that all the
vitriol would be silenced. Yet, as people of God – we
still work/play/learn/live in this world. We are called
as Christians to be those witnesses to Christ’s
presence in all of our moments.
Peace in Christ, Pastor Jen
