Jeanette Renouf

My Dear Friends,

How do we respond to the end of the world, apocalyptic scriptures like today’s Gospel? Since they were written the “end of that world” has happened a number of times. Jerusalem has been rebuilt several times and is regularly under threat of being destroyed again. We certainly see wars and plagues and hear people say these are surely the signs of end times. Yet we are still here. Will we ever change our ways and learn to live in love and harmony with one another and all of God’s creation? It doesn’t seem so but perhaps the lesson is to keep trying, and to live in hope instead of fear.

Legitimate fear confronts us every day, like weeds in the garden after a Spring rain. Fears about climate change, gun violence, financial disaster, wars, plagues, politics. It is a challenge to have hope in the face of such apocalyptic news. Yet, we know that God is in charge and challenging us to live as Jesus taught us—to care for creation and one another.

The Bible tells us that perfect love drives out fear. Alternatively, it is also true that fear drives out love. If we respond negatively to the messages of fear confronting us everyday we cannot live as God commanded and Jesus showed us.

We need to cultivate hope in our gardens. To notice all the gifts of gratitude each day brings—to be a light in the darkness of a fearful world. The more we practice love in our lives the less fear there will be from others who experience that love. Sometimes it can be something as simple as holding the door for someone at the market, smiling at a stranger, or thanking a grocery clerk.

Little acts of kindness can multiply and help drive away fear. They can be an opportunity to show that there is another way to live in a time of discord and violence—one that is compassionate and caring.

Peace,

—Jeanette