We were hoping beyond hope that it wouldn’t happen here, but the Omicron variant made landfall in California with a traveler from South Africa. Evidently he arrived on November 22nd and tested positive a week later. We want science to be certain, to be able to cure illness instantly, but it doesn’t work that way.
We human beings don’t seem to do well without certainty, but our lives are full of many forms of uncertainty. Hoping is a response to uncertainty. It’s a way we deal with our fears in an uncertain world. A pundit once said that the only certain thing is that there is no certainty. Clever, but also true.
What is the role of faith in the midst of uncertainty? Faith and hope are connected, to be sure. However, faith is not a road to certainty. Faith is being willing to accept the uncertain in our lives but to still trust in God’s embrace even in the midst of our fears. The opposite of faith is not doubt or even fear but certainty which cuts us off from hope.
Prayer for the Day
In this time when our fears are palpable
Quiet our rush to judgment, O God;
When we feel the world is heavy and our anxiety clawing,
Calm our spirits and slow our impulsive actions.
Grant us a faith rooted in blossoming hope
Bringing to action a deeper understanding of your call.
In the name of him who opens us to hope,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
To learn which questions are unanswerable, and not to answer them: this skill is most needful in times of stress and darkness.
Ursula Le Guin, American writer, from The Left Hand of Darkness (1929-2018)
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.
Bertrand Russell, British philosopher (1872-1970)
May God grant me to speak with judgment,
And to have thoughts worthy of what I have received;
For God is the guide even of wisdom and the corrector of the wise.
For both we and our words are in God’s hand,
As are all understanding and skill in crafts.
Wisdom of Solomon 7: 15-16