A strange light
It might not have felt like a particularly eventful evening when it happened. Isn’t that always the way? Something that changes your perspective on the world often comes as an afterthought.
A group of about a dozen teens, and a couple of conscripted youth group leaders, myself included, gathered in a place devoid of light pollution and followed the path. Refocussing our eyes, we made our way to the high powered telescope, to see what was out there. I’m not sure what I expected, but I was not prepared to actually see the rings around Saturn! As I think about what is “out there”, beyond the world of comfort and familiarity, I acknowledge it is a reality about which I know almost nothing, yet that one glimpse opened up a whole host of possibilities.
The word “epiphany” invites new insight or understanding, as if a light is shone in a dark place. Epiphany is the season of the church year when like the wise ones of long ago, we are learning about the beauty and mystery and truth we name God. I ponder, what does the word mean in a faith for today? What indeed does “God” mean in a faith for today? Consider that the motivation behind millions of people taking to the streets in the history making protests we saw last weekend. Consider that we saw an epiphany type realization inviting folks to see things in a new way, and particularly, to see their responsibilities differently. The kind of insight that inspires protests of historic significance is the kind of insight that motivates action. I will be disappointed if the energy generated last weekend merely fades away. Real change, the kind that comes one person, one community, one decision at a time, is brought about when people turn their passion into action.
Like the messages we read on posters and banners last weekend, at the heart of the message of Jesus, we find justice and inclusion and liberty and compassion and love. Those qualities are best lived out in the everyday lives and decisions of elected officials and those who elect them. Jesus called his followers from everyday life, to teach them by action and story, and shocking example how the reign of God might unfold. Those who continue to follow are still working at it, one family, one congregation, one situation, one experience at a time.
Like the opening of my eyes to the beauty of Saturn, may we be open to a faith that engages, and challenges, that provides for others as it satisfies and challenges the self, that lives into the real moments of possibility. A strange kind of light motivating change is dawning. Follow it!