Inaugaration Thoughts on Christian Hope

Pastoral Pondering
by Pastor Keith Larson

I watched the inauguration of President Obama today. I have watched inaugurations with fascination for many years. I have a bit of politics in my blood, it seems. I was not very old when John Kennedy was inaugurated. But that inauguration, like the one today, seemed to capture the imagination, wonder and awe of millions of Americans and people around the world. The day of inauguration, then and today, seemed instill hope for new beginnings and a better world for many people – even across partisan lines. For so many of us who grew up in a nation and world divided by racial barriers, tensions and unrest, it is indeed heartening to see some of that begin to crumble.

I too am hopeful about the future. That is more of a faith statement than a political statement. There are too many wars in our world. There is too much poverty – too many children going to bed hungry – too many children and adults dying because of the lack of food or appropriate medical care. There are too many people out of work. Too many people are fearful of the future. I am not so naïve as to believe that one man – even though he is President of the United States of America – can completely fix all that is wrong in the world. I am not so naïve as to believe that we have completely broken down the racial barriers that divide. For much racial prejudice and bias still needs to be overcome, even as there are gender and cultural biases to overcome.

But I am hopeful because I am a Christian. As Christians we believe that God is ultimately in charge – that God is working relentlessly against the forces of evil that cause hatred, division, violence, greed, and all that works against God’s intentions for a peaceful just world where all enjoy a life of health and fullness. And we believe that in the end, the power of God will over-come. However, I am also hopeful as more and more people work on God’s side to bring about wholeness and healing in our world. I am proud of our congregations when we financially support causes that improve the lives of others. I am grateful for all in our congregations who serve on boards or committees or work in groups to bring positive change in our neighborhoods, community and world – providing adequate food resources, educational opportunities, health care and even warm quilts for those in need.

The needs of the world are great and complex. A new President may be able to influence some important changes. But the biggest changes happen when hundreds, thousands, millions of individuals clamor for change and do whatever they can in their power to bring about change. And that begins with me and you. May we not tire or waver from doing our parts to care for one another around us.

On inauguration day, I was also fascinated by the pageantry, the pomp and circumstance. Certainly, a President could be “sworn in” with less fanfare, in simpler, less expensive fashion. The President would be no less a President. But it is also is important from time to time for all of us to be reminded of the grander, bigger picture – and of our connection to the past and to the future. That is the function of rites and rituals, pomp and circumstance.

In the same way when we receive the bread and wine, the body and blood or Holy Communion, in some way it matters not whether the wine is in a beautiful expensive cup or in a plastic mug. It is still what God says it is. We would still receive God’s grace and forgiveness. But the familiar words that have been recited for 2000 years, the cup that was used by our parents and grandparents, all these remind us, necessarily that we are connected to something much bigger, much grander than anything routine.

At this time of another new beginning in our nation’s history, may we all commit ourselves to praying for our President and for all leaders of government in our land and in the world. Also may we commit ourselves, as God’s people, to do our part to make the world a better, safer place for all.