The Long Arc

 THE LONG ARC - SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2025



Luke 2:22-40: “When the time came for Mary and Joseph’s purification according to the law of Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah . . .

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Mary and Joseph had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.”

➖

After the total shit show that has been Pres. Trump’s first two weeks in office we are overwhelmed, appalled, discouraged and feeling helpless. We have been lied to. The Administration has broken numerous laws, acted unconstitutionally, and shown a total disregard for the well-being of people in fragile situations. The most common question I hear from friends is “What do we do?!”

I find direction is this Sunday’s story about the Presentation of the newborn baby Jesus.

“What shall we do?!”

1) If you are a person of faith stay in touch with your faith community and double down on participation in what you have been offered and taught. The Faith has taken us all through worse times then these. Family, faith, friends ... be with your people.

2) Are you an Elder? See how Simeon and Anna in their old age lived lives of patience, hope and expectation. They understood the long arc of history. Elders arise! Be present! Steady the ship. Speak truth. Pray, fast, witness to the hope that throbs within your breast. We need your steadfastness.

3) Are you middle aged, in college, working, or raising children? Like the Holy Family, “return to Nazareth.” Invest in your local community. Serve your neighbor. Be it at home or in your factory or institution, do the work you do with love and intention. What you do is the backbone of daily life. You matter!

4) Are you a child? Then *be* a child. Grow and become strong. Learn, observe, prepare for your tomorrow. The favor of the Lord is and will remain upon you. There will be pain, but seasons come and go. Your future will be bright. Remember – your future will be bright!

Beyond this watch and listen. You will know what to do when the time is right.

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