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Choosing Where to Show Up

Writer's picture: The Rev. Beth KnowltonThe Rev. Beth Knowlton

“Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” From Hebrews 2:14-18


This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation. It marks the time when Jesus and His family are formally reintroduced to their faith community after His birth. It contains a wonderful exchange between Simeon and the prophet Anna. Simeon and Anna have been faithfully coming to the Temple in the hope of witnessing the arrival of the Messiah.


As people of faith, we proclaim our belief that each person carries the sacred image of God within. This is more readily apparent in some individuals than others, I suspect. But our desire to find God in one another is all the more important in times when categorizing and making people “other” is a constant stream of vitriol in our culture.


The exchange between the holy family and Simeon and Anna is also a time for truth-telling. They witness the promise of Jesus and the real pain and suffering that is likely to be part of his earthly walk. That pain will ripple out to his family and those who follow him as well. But it is a key part of Jesus’ incarnation that he was so willing to radically affiliate himself with the pain of being human. And it gives us assurance that we cannot be exiled from God’s presence, no matter what our circumstances are in these times.


I have had countless conversations in recent weeks with people from all walks of life and circumstances. Many people are feeling afraid, targeted, angry, and despairing. There is a sense of confusion and chaos that is de-centering for many people. It is tempting in these circumstances to isolate or lose hope, but I think both the holy family and Simeon and Anna give us a model by which we can remember the promise of Jesus. We must continue showing up to bear the light of hope to those who need it. We must provide safety for those who feel afraid. And we must tend that light in ourselves. We cannot see the image of God in others if we have not tended it in ourselves.


Some of that tending is very practical: say your prayers, gather in worship, mind your media consumption habits, and look for the light and celebrate the things that give you joy and gratitude.


Being tested is part of the human experience. As Christians, we have the audacious capacity to claim that God is with us amid those testing times. God offered Himself in radical love and presence through the person of Jesus Christ. We are all invited to act in love radically to fulfill our baptismal promise to seek justice and dignity for all human beings. We do not and cannot accomplish that by ourselves, but only with God’s help.


Peace, Beth +

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