Introduction
This week’s Gospel reading reflects a time of crisis and upheaval in first century Judea, in the lead up to the Jewish revolt, and the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. There are plenty of crises and upheavals in our world today. How do we continue to live faithfully, and discern God’s message for our times?
Context
The ‘backlog’ of Britons stuck in Sharm el-Sheikh should be cleared by the end of the week.
Despite the worsening weather, refugees continue to cross the Mediterranean. The UNHCR has launched an appeal.
The UN conference on climate change will begin in Paris at the end of November. The Pacific nations have made a last ditch plea to the world.
Refugee children can shine academically if given the right support.
The Globe Theatre has performed Hamlet in the Zaatari refugee camp on the Jordanian border.
Reflection
Wars and rumours of wars, earthquakes and famines, are on our television screens almost nightly. For some of us, they seem distant events; for others, they are all too real (the church I attend includes a number of asylum seekers, mainly from Iran, who have fled persecution). One reaction to overwhelming events is to pretend that nothing is happening, ensuring a safe bubble for ourselves and our families. This easily leads to the exclusion of people who disturb our peace, who remind us of tragedy, or who cause a nuisance with their needs. Another reaction is to oversimplify complicated situations; for example, creating ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’. The reality is usually more squalid. The first Christians anticipated Jesus’ imminent return. It didn’t happen. Then the early church declared that the destruction of the Jerusalem temple signalled the end of Judaism. But Judaism adapted to the new situation, and is still going strong. We believe that God is present, but it is dangerous to think that we know the divine purpose behind current events.
Some crises require tough decisions and decisive action. If politicians are to do what is necessary to save the low-lying Pacific islands, we must be prepared to make sacrifices.
For those whose lives are hit by devastation, the priority is to survive, and retain some sort of humanity. Britons stuck in Sharm el-Sheikh have had a short taste of living with uncertainty and helplessness, but they will soon be home. For the refugees trudging across Europe, it is a long-term reality. They get up each morning to face another bleak day of travelling, hoping eventually to reach safety. In situations of crisis, doing ‘normal’ things is an achievement: witness the performance of Hamlet in a refugee camp, or Afghanistan’s first marathon. Given stability and encouragement, refugee children can recover from their ordeal and thrive.
‘Tearing down’ is so much easier and more dramatic than ‘building up’. Rebuilding is slow, patient work, requiring dedication and perseverance. Communities recovering from disaster don’t need outpourings of emotion, grand gestures, or elaborate theories; rather, they need secure funding and long-term commitment. The victims of Nepal’s spring earthquake, no longer in the news, fear themselves forgotten.
Jesus uses the image of childbirth. When giving birth, nothing else matters. The woman is entirely focused on the momentous bodily process of bringing a new life into the world. We cannot each take on all the troubles of the world; but we can find one useful task and see it through.
Prayer
As you watch the news, pick out one face – be it a politician involved in difficult and protracted negotiations; a frightened child caught up in a natural disaster; or even someone whose violent behaviour you abhor. Hold that person before God, confident that God knows the secrets of their heart, and pray that the Holy Spirit might be at work in their life.
Questions
- In times of crisis, what keeps you going?
- What is your contribution to making the world a better place?
Action
Find out about Cities of Sanctuary.
Could your church become involved in a local group?
Young people
Discuss some of the disaster movies you have watched. How realistic do you think they are?
Ann Conway-Jones worships at Old Church, Smethwick. She is joint Honorary Secretary of the Council of Christians and Jews.
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