Freedom

Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. 

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:18-23)

Hmmm.  Here we have another reading (our second) that fits very well with what is happening in the United States and around the world.  The present time has many sufferings caused by the coronavirus that shows few signs of abating.  Sickness, deaths, and spikes in infection seem never-ending especially in the United Stares where many citizens ignore public health warnings; won’t social distance; and refuse to wear masks.

Selfishness and arrogance rule in some camps – and tribes. But glory will be revealed to us, and that will come as a vaccine and eventual, steadfast, and widespread use of ways to beat the virus down, such as mask-wearing.

Moreover, creation will be set free from slavery and corruption, according to Paul.  Now that’s a challenge.  As long as there is systemic racism, slavery is never really ended.  Consequences of slavery and white supremacy linger and are oppressive in many ways, some quite evident as recent and dramatic incidences of police brutality.

Corruption in politics – and elsewhere – is prominent in the daily news with resulting damage to U.S. prestige and influence.  We children of God lament our sad state of affairs.  We groan within ourselves and wait for redemption.

But we all have the firstfruits of the Spirit!  We just have to work harder to make them evident, effective, and apply them daily. These firstfruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.    Quite the list of fruits, far better than any in the grocery store that go bad with time.   Our firstfruits get better with time and so will our nation.

Deacon David Pierce