Called to Act in Difficult Times

Friends, I have seen posts and emails, I have heard voices, speaking of people's growing anxiety, fear, frustration, and dismay at the stubborn resistance and threatening behavior that has taken hold in this region by those who oppose vaccination and masking as the best possible protective measures we have, all in the name of a notion of freedom that is only reactionary opposition – its own form of slavery.

Hear what Mordecai says to Queen Esther, as recorded in scripture: “Perhaps you came to this position for just such a time as this.”

Queen Esther must have heard this and recognized its truth and weight. Perhaps I am here for just such a time as this. But hearing and accepting this as true doesn’t solve the problem of what to do next. Mordecai helps Esther see her responsibility and the importance of what she can do for her people in this moment. But knowing THAT I should do something and have responsibility for just such a time as this doesn’t tell me HOW I should address the weighty issues and problems of “such a time as this.”

How shall we take up the call of God upon us in this moment, for just such a time as this?

Come and listen. 

Readings: 

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50