Waiting for Peace

There’s always something, isn’t there?

Whether one is busy shopping for Christmas or recently chipped a tooth, the to-do list of life is endless and exhausting. When we wake up, there is always something new to grab our attention. Thousands of emails. Notifications from an application that you needed to download to order a sandwich. Friendly reminders for a community event. The kids need a ride to practice. Oh, and the SUV is making that weird groaning noise again.

Our attention is precious, and it seems like everyone wants a piece of it (including me, writing this blog).

So pay attention: In a busy world, Jesus offers rest. In a world grasping for your attention, Jesus offers mindfulness. In a world beset by notifications, distractions, and errands, Jesus offers a refuge.

Peace. It is so elusive. Which is why Gods’ promise of peace can be so hard to believe.

All of the things that grab our attention, disturb our days, consume our thoughts, these are temporary. They may be necessary, but they are not forever. After all, you know that once you solve one problem, another always seems to present itself in due time. The problems of daily life come and go.

Still more troubling are the big problems in our lives. Illness, addiction, money troubles affect so many of us. Our neighbors around the world worry about bombs being dropped or mobs in the streets. Perhaps you or someone you know is concerned about ICE and with it, the prospect of arbitrary arrest or detention.

Jesus promises an end to that, too.

As the new church year begins, we are asking ourselves, “What are you waiting for?!” And so many of us are waiting for peace. An end to fear and violence. An end to the rat race we can’t seem to escape.

In this week’s Gospel message, Jesus tells us to keep awake, to watch out! We don’t know the hour or the day that Jesus will come to set the world right, but we want to be prepared. He may come like a thief in the night or like a flash flood. But we should be worried.

To live in this busy, topsy-turvy world as a Christian is to ever be on the lookout for God’s kingdom of peace breaking into this world. We can’t escape what we’re dealt, but we are constantly vigilant for signs that Jesus is at work to end the commotion.

Maybe this looks like mindful breathing when times get stressful. Maybe it looks like being vigilant for neighbors who need an extra pair of eyes. Maybe it looks like setting aside some time for prayer so that what consumes you doesn’t, you know, consume you.

We here at St. Stephen’s practice sharing God’s vision, together in faith. Through the GWCM food pantry, Jeanette’s Closet, and our Sunday Social, we enact Gods’ vision of everyone having what they need. Through our advocacy work and Christian education, we enact God’s vision of everyone having the dignity of participation. Each Sunday, we share the meal of Gods’ peace, confessing our sin and hearing its forgiveness and sharing in the Lord’s Supper.

God’s vision of peace is more than just time off; it’s a world restored. Where violence and greed and pain and commercialization and dental appointments are no more. Where death itself is no more. We are here in the meantime, waiting for God’s day of peace to come. And it is! You only need to pay attention!