How Would Jesus Respond to the Chaos in the World Today?

Many of us may feel overwhelmed by the challenges posed by Trump and his team of billionaires, as well as certain economic issues in Canada and various global concerns. However, this current situation provides Christians an opportunity to express their authentic voices and emerge as a powerful force for good. 

Here are some solutions, revised from a recent Broadview Magazine article*, on how Jesus might respond to the world today.

1. Be Bold. 

Last week, in a touching inaugural prayer service, Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., reached out to Trump, encouraging him to show compassion for those affected by his policies. This courageous action speaks volumes and will certainly make an impact. For us in faith communities, it reminds us of the importance of engaging with our politicians and advocating for our values. Let’s unite with our friends from various denominations and faiths, as the time when a single church can affect change alone is over!  

2. Start helping to build the economy we want.

Merely calling for economic justice is insufficient; we need to start illustrating its possibilities. We can back businesses and social initiatives that foster fair employment and purchasing from sustainable, local enterprises. 

3. Create places of respite.

Unsettling news regarding our nation's and planet's future surrounds us. The church can engage with its community by providing a space for worship and mutual support. We can persist in establishing a sanctuary where individuals can find respite from the world's chaos, even for only a few hours.

4. Pray and preach the Gospel.

Jesus's world mirrors the imperial landscape, echoing our contemporary experience. Approaching the Gospel with fresh eyes can help us unearth its vital message. We must not undervalue the power of prayer to ground, soothe, and uplift us. Now is the moment to fully engage in and share our spiritual practices as we deepen our connection with God.

 

Although we seem to be facing several real crises, this is not a reason to panic or give in to hopelessness. Instead, this moment urges us to remain calm, reflective, and intentional. Now is the time to be the church that Jesus created!   


Blessings Rev. Kim 


*https://broadview.org/5-ways-people-of-faith-can-respond-to-trump/


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Knowing When to Walk Away

I sometimes wonder why I write these posts. Often, I write them because I need a reminder of how to be a better person. Sometimes, I need this more than others, and this is one of those posts to remind me to be a better person. We can all agree that a lot is happening politically in the world right now; this is the understatement of the century! I find myself too often checking the news to see the latest drama. Yes, I care about politics; I vote but don't love drama. I deeply care about the people in this world, and I want some sort of peace. But what does that look like when surrounded by people who love drama? How do we ignore the current political climate and still care about what is happening worldwide? Last week, I found myself unfriending people on Facebook—people I have been friends with for a long time. I could not take their overly loud political views for one more second. I could have shut down social media and snoozed them for a few weeks, but no, I suddenly wa...
Read more

Self Compassion

This week hasn't been easy for me. I've been battling a pesky virus, which makes even the smallest tasks challenging. I feel a bit guilty about missing work and letting people down. I tend to be pretty hard on myself. I always strive to be the best version of myself, so when I fall short, I feel disappointed. However, when I see someone struggling or feeling unwell, I’m quick to offer them kindness and understanding. It’s amusing how we can be so much kinder to others than to ourselves. Self-compassion can be a tricky subject. If we indulge in it too much, we risk becoming self-absorbed. Nevertheless, most people find it difficult to grant themselves even a small amount of compassion. At its core, self-compassion is about mindfully treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would extend to a friend facing difficulties. It means being gentle and supportive rather than harsh or overly critical when we make mistakes or feel inadequate. Research shows that pract...
Read more