Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love,
as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us … [Ephesians 5.1-2]

There appears to be a significant political investment in fear these days. Certain politicians warn of dark times and an even darker future, unless we place our trust in them.

Apocalyptic visions of the “wrong people” in our communities abound, defined (depending on circumstance) by skin colour, or gender identity, or those experiencing persecution and seeking refuge and hope. The world-weary among us will say it has always been thus, that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

I’m not convinced. The plethora of media resources ensures our being constantly saturated; whether we listen, or follow, or subscribe, or read, or watch. The church, of course, is not immune; when suspicion, or fear, are the currency minted – and liberally spent – by some politicians and media, we often find ourselves unwitting investors.

Sermons warn of the frightening world outside, or the danger of different faith stories and biblical interpretation, or the risk of mixing with those who think differently. Thus, the church circles our wagons and looks inward, so that we know everyone and try to feel safe. Which is precisely not how we are called to live out the call of the crucified, risen Christ.

Paul challenges us to live fully – hopefully, carefully, gracefully, thankfully.

It is too easy to accuse, to blame, to refuse, to persecute, so that we feel the illusion of a manufactured safety. That is not the gospel.

The witness of our faith is to live as people of hope, not scratching out our existence in fear, or hiddenness. When the community mistrusts difference, how do we embrace our neighbour? When politicians demand that we punish those seeking refuge, how do we offer sanctuary in our homes and communities?

How do we live in the light of Jesus, and thus offer that light to others, with the gentle care which remembers how it was first offered to us?

Blessings for the week ahead of us.