When in recent history has there been a time when so much that we have taken for granted is now called into question? Suddenly we don’t travel; we don’t visit older relatives; some stores are closed or out of business, while in other stores we don’t linger if there’s a crowd present. Summer months always give way to seasons of school and college openings, but suddenly those routines have been upended by online learning, remote classes, and a host of safety precautions. Some voices around us are quick to discredit science; other voices admit that we just don’t know enough to give people the information they need. Things that shouldn’t be political have now become points of contention (like wearing masks); things that used to be simple are now messy and complicated (like policing or voting).
When everything is abnormal and topsy-turvy, moral guidance from our faith tradition is more important than ever. Moral guidance is more “big picture” than details. It is not a definitive answer on immigration policy, but it is a redefinition of “neighbor” according to the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is not a checklist for establishing a social welfare budget, but it is that reminder about sheep and goats and “doing unto the least of these.” It is not guidance about how to fix our criminal justice codes, but it is Jesus’ comment about forgiving “seventy times seven.”
As you live your life according to the moral wisdom of the Christian faith, some people will try to push back, arguing that your position is just one way to interpret the scriptures. Realize that such a response is not an answer to the question at hand; it is simply a way to shut down conversations that need to be had. In those moments, Jesus would take a break—maybe bend down to write for a while in the sand before saying, “Whoever is without sin can cast the first stone.” Or he would call a child forward and simply say, “Of such as these is the kingdom of God.” Or he would call together frightened and confused disciples, like Simon Peter, and offer them the clear, simple reminder that he was destined (like all of us) to go and “feed my sheep.”
Now is not the time to try and win every argument. Now is not the season in which we can trust our days will unfold with predictable, even boring regularity. But friends, it is a time for looking down at the foundation upon which we stand (“For God so loved the world”). It is a time for looking ahead to the horizon in which we trust (“And lo, I am with you to the end of the age”). It is a time for looking around and finding ways to connect with and care for one another (“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you”).
Don’t let the uncertainty, confusion, and clamor of these days get you down. Christ is beside you (“for such a time as this”) and will never leave or forsake you. Listen once more to his simple moral guidance, and trust me, we will get through this season together!
—Randy Bush