Karl Barth, one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century once said, “Take your Bible and your newspaper and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.” Although many of us may have thought interpreting the Bible was the hard part, perhaps it is harder to figure out the news.
Over the past several years at least, we have heard the phrase “fake news,” usually uttered by someone who did not like what the facts of the day revealed. It’s become the hallmark of those in power who want people not to know what is actually happening. Bolsinaro uses it in Brazil, Orban in Hungary, even Putin in Russia. But truth will out.
It’s difficult to hide from the truth whether it is about climate change, political disaster, or, most importantly, about ourselves. Our inability to face various truths that stare us in the face comes, I think, from our fear of change – not only in the world but how we must change ourselves.
Prayer for the Day
We have a habit of looking backward, at what has been, O God,
Causing us to miss your vital presence in our lives today;
Trapped by our memories of the past, we fear a hanging world,
And deny your grace that can empower us for the future.
Help us to walk into the future trusting in the promise of your reign,
As did the One who always trusted in you,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It is fear that reinforces the walls we build, people are afraid to be swayed from their convictions, afraid to question their moral instincts and expose themselves to ideas that may challenge the fabric of their entire existence, but what are we if we are not seeking to better ourselves?”
-Aysha Taryam, editor The Gulf Today, an English language newspaper
One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight, for a very long time, of the shore.
- Andre Gide, French novelist, Nobel laureate (1869-1951)
God is our refuge and strength, a well proved help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Psalm 46: 1-3