Living in the Tension

Hope, suffering, and acknowledgement are like three connected sides of a triangle in how they relate to our faith.  I often discuss with folks who are new to church that we live and find meaning in the tension.  We know things are hard and yet we know God loves us and will redeem all things.  We know we have been given the promise of life eternal and forgiveness of sin and yet we still live in this imperfect world.  We know we will make it through this pandemic, but it is hard and we can’t help but acknowledge that.

This Sunday would have brought our 6th annual Parish Pops and Picnic gathering, a favorite of mine.  We would have gathered in our church for the organ concert (even better now with the acoustics of the newly renovated nave!) and afterwards grilled burgers, played in sprinklers, and enjoyed each other’s deserts and sides.  Our staff and leadership have been trying to offer our community moments of respite and relief, and we have had some amazing things come of out of this time, but I will miss getting to spend time with you this Sunday evening.  It is good to acknowledge that.  That said, I know that my redeemer lives and so I have hope. 

We still have many babies that are ready to receive the gift of baptism!  There are still weddings being planned.  We still have our small groups gathering and children’s Sunday school being offered.  Our outreach efforts have still been feeding hundreds of children every week.  God is still at work!  Our hope is still alive in the God who sealed us and marked us as Christ’s own for forever.

This pandemic has been going on for a very long time and will be continuing.  I know many of you are worried or scared.  It is ok to acknowledge our suffering and I offer that we can live in the tension of that truth while also proclaiming our faith.  As our funeral service in the Book of Common Prayer says, “All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song:  Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.”  That is to say, there is nothing that can keep us from the hope of the love of our God. 

I am praying for you in this hard time and I look forward to celebrating with you the hope of ultimate life given in Christ when we are able to do so in person.

We love you and God loves you.