Whispers and Shouts

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle to children’s chapel.

Sometimes God shouts. Through the amplified suffering of others, known or strangers, all created in the same image. Or through the aftermath of a cataclysmic election.

Lately, the lectionary readings have provided desperately needed whispers for me, reminders of what our faith promises.

On the third Sunday after Epiphany we were offered Isaiah and the 27^th Psalm, promising light and a faithful stand against fear.

On the fourth Sunday, the Beatitudes. All about blessing, no blocking or banning.

On the fifth, back to lighting the world along with magnifying good works.

But there has also been some shouting. Balancing out my fears for the worst have been determined, energized advocates who won’t be minimized or hushed. Millions marching, flooding phone lines, refusing to pretend that the “official” message is normal.

In whatever way or place you hear God, may you continue to find reassurance and the motivation to act from a place of faith. We are in this for the long haul.

Today we march again.