Eastertide

May 21, 2020

Scripture Reading:
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. –1 Peter 4:12-14

While I do not think we are going through anything like what the first Disciples experienced, I do believe every generation is tested. We face the decision of how to be in the world but not of the world* every day. the multi-faceted side effects of the COVID 19 virus on the graduating classes of 2020 impact them far beyond direct health concerns. One graduating high school senior noted on the news that most in her class were born shortly after the 9-11 bombings which also reshaped their lives. Such challenges rise and fall through the generations. How we deal with them matters.

We seem caught in a great battle between the God of love and the gods of greed, power, and privilege. It started well before the virus began to spread across our lands. Climate change may have contributed to the increasing incidents of various viruses over several years. Not doing our duty as a country to provide for the Common Good is costing us far more than providing appropriate civil services to support our economy and protect our people all the time. We are suddenly realizing that all God’s children are important for our world to work well.

Perhaps the best thing to come out of these recent tests is that we work to follow God’s guidance and not chase after the temptations of the world. Perhaps those 2020 graduates will lead the way.

Prayer: God of love, we thank you for the leadership of those entering adulthood. Help us all work to assure the Common Good as we care for one another. Amen.

*See John 15:19, John 17:14-16, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:22-24, and 1 Thessalonians 4:1

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.