Friends and Neighbors, 

We can feel the season shifting, and for many people, the season is football season. Jesus spoke of seasons in Luke when he said: “When you see a cloud forming in the west, you immediately say, ‘It’s going to rain.’ And indeed it does.  And when a south wind blows, you say, ‘A heat wave is coming.’ And it does. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret conditions on earth and in the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:54-56, Common English Bible).

Our nation and our world is in a time of authoritarianism and fear that disproportionately harms the most vulnerable. The signs have been with us as we saw growing disparity between rich and poor, continued divisions along racial, ethnic, and religious boundaries, and attempts to gloss over the hard parts of our history. We know that the human grasping for power and wealth often results in suffering for many. The signs are there. 

I was recently enouraged to take a closer look at the minor prophet Micah. The book of Micah speaks of a people divided, using their religion to justify bad behavior, and the oppression of the poor. It could be a summary of the top news items this week. It is also in Micah that we hear the proclamation of Micah 6:8:

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,

what God is looking for in men and women.

It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,

be compassionate and loyal in your love,

And don’t take yourself too seriously—

take God seriously.

Even as we see the storms raging, we are called back to loving God and neighbor. It can be easy to despair, but we find hope in coming together to show love and compassion even when we are afraid, unsure, and angry. We turn to the practices of our faith that call us to prayer, community, and acting with justice, mercy, and love. 

As the seasons change, there are many things to celebrate and take delight in. The joy of our team winning, the ridiculous flavored coffee, and smiles around a fire bring us joy. Just as we take seriously the signs and wear an extra layer, chop wood, and mulch the fig tree- we also join together to faithfully love God and neighbor even in uncertain times. We have many opportunities to be nurtured and encouraged at St. James. We also have ways to join together to act with justice and mercy. In this season I encourage you to faithfully consider how you will join in this work with your presence, your prayers, and with investing in the work we do. 

I am grateful to enter another season with you. May we know that God is with us through all the changes. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark