Casting light through the chaos - December 16
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53]; Isa. 9:8-17; 2 Pet. 2:1-10a; Mark 1:1-8
The verses of 2 Peter that precede our reading today advise the reader that what follows is worthy of paying attention, as when one shines a light in a dark area to see what was once hidden. What is it that needs light cast upon it? What we find in 2 Peter is a commentary on impropriety and sin. And why, today, must we read and reflect on this scripture? One response could be that in Advent, we prepare our hearts to receive the gift of Jesus; cleaning out the dismal corners makes room for the joy ahead.
We read of a warning about false prophets who deny God and bring in destructive opinions, shrouded in secrecy. The repercussions include people being led astray and exploited, and “the way of truth…maligned” (v. 2) As the legacy of the apostles Peter and Paul included teaching the ways of following Christ, instructors who instilled the wrong information in the minds of those seeking God resulted in division, confusion, and conflict. Unwieldy teachers, doubting students, and apostles up in arms. What a potential for chaos and drama!
Disruption and despair do not have the final word. Dr. Pheme Perkins, Professor of Catholic Spirituality at Boston College, observes that, interspersed with the familiar biblical motif of judgment and punishment, there is the promise of something new – salvation! Despite the flood, Noah was saved; amid the sinfulness of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot was saved. Furthermore, we have assurance from the writer of 2 Peter: “the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial” (v. 9a). God has this great ability to sweep up the righteous who suffer. Dr. Perkins draws connections between this piece of scripture and our contemporary context by pointing to the hope we can find in God’s relentless power that “preserves the moral character of the faithful, even when they live in situations that are shot through with evil.” (689) Those who are yearning to be faithful and righteous in the sight of God do not need to distance themselves from others who live or act differently. Rather, Christians can continue to bear witness to the gospel, knowing that the Good News is a message of salvation and hope in a messy world.
As I reflect on this epistle from 2 Peter, the words from John 13 keep bubbling up: “Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1) Jesus knows and loves us as we are in the world, surrounded by (or in the middle of) despair, fear, avarice, and anger. Jesus loves us through that pain and brokenness.
Take a moment this day to shine a light in the dark corners of your spiritual and emotional storage rooms. What needs to be cleaned out? What needs saving? What is God calling you to dust off and share with others? My prayers are with you through this inventory…and, remember the goal of this exercise: more room for the joy of Christ to move within you!
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
How do you respond when you feel like you are being convinced to re-evaluate teachings or beliefs that you previously held? Do you self-isolate? Do you do further research? Do you accept what you are hearing? Do you disagree?
Daily Challenge
Take time to shine light on a part of your faith that trips you up or leaves you confused. Pray about it, asking God to open your mind to greater understanding. Perhaps research that topic, or ask your clergy for guidance.