In my book “True Confessions of a Retired Preacher,” not to be published anytime soon, if ever, I have considered including a discussion of what I dislike about the Lectionary. For the uninitiated, the Revised Common Lectionary is a three-year compilation of Scripture passages used in many mainline Christian churches to guide preachers on sermon subjects. On the one hand it can be helpful to prevent a pastor from preaching only on his or her favorite texts, or worse, using the same Scripture passages over and over again. On the other hand, some of the texts that come up in the rotation can be disconcerting; for example, Chapter 14 in the Gospel of John being read on Thanksgiving Sunday when the pews are filled with children and their families. The text rather graphically describes the beheading of John the Baptist. Fortunately, I am part of a tradition that allows latitude on the preacher’s choice of a text!
Another passage that has irritated me in the past came up again last week, as the church heads toward Christmas in the period known as Advent. Luke 21:25 says, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the Earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” I know in many ways the Christmas season can be daunting, but the choice always seemed overly dramatic to me, that is, until this year.
In the wake of the election many people are feeling fear and foreboding, and with good reason. The incoming administration has sworn to exact revenge and retribution against its perceived enemies in what might be called “biblical” proportions. Even the part about the roaring of the sea and the waves has a new ring with an avowed denial of climate change and the promise to “drill, baby, drill.” For many the feeling of distress is palatable. Despite a sometimes critical view of the scriptures, I do deeply appreciate the solace offered through those ancient words. They remind us that we have been here before.
The Judeo-Christian scriptures are full of stories about people of faith dealing with difficult times. In fact, the reason that ominous verse from the Gospel of Luke appears in the Lectionary at this time of the year is because the Season of Advent has traditionally been viewed as a time of preparation. Lighting the four candles of Love, Hope, Joy and Peace reflects a practice of preparation. Spiritual practice helps us to recognize the light, especially in the dark times. Even if our preparation is imperfect or seems inadequate, the tradition of Hanukkah can remind us of the resilience of those who seek the light — how a one-day supply of oil could last for eight days. We may not know what to do now, but inward practice prepares us for the time of outward action.
It is also important to remember that we are not alone; light attracts light, and so we become brighter when we gather in communities of practice. Judah Maccabee did not act in isolation, and Jesus had his disciples. Now is the time to rest in our relationships, to build community, and to celebrate the bonds that bind us together rather than succumb to the forces that would divide us. This is not limited to Christmas or Hanukkah; it is the preparation we need for the days ahead. In a book far better than this preacher might pen, Danielle Doby, “I Am Her Tribe,” says it beautifully in her poem, “the fire that awakens you”:
i am drawn to the light in others
it is how i know i am not alone
to be a seeker of the light
is to be connected to the very truth itself —
the way out of the darkness
is when we can look across the table
and find our face in another’s
when we let our stories exist
we invite others to see themselves more clearly
in a space where
pain
struggle
stunning resilience
and belonging
are not unique to just one person
they live in each of us
proving we are not on our own
i heal
and you heal
and when we heal
the world heals with us
an open heart is the key
that unlocks hope’s reach
the sun is here
within you
now open your eyes.
The Rev. Michael Duda is a retired United Church of Christ minister living in Rockport. He formerly served as the senior pastor of the First Church in Wenham. Midweek Musings rotates among Cape Ann clergy.
Midweek Musings is column that rotates among Cape Ann’s clergy.