Interpreting the Present Time

 In my lectio divina on the Gospel reading for Sunday, Luke 12:49-56, I have been struggling with Jesus saying he came to bring division. (v. 51) That seems remarkably ominous in this time a deep division in the US that has spread from politics to infect the Church. I am not one to give a lot of credibility to claims of “worst ever,” but it has grown in the last couple of decades to define our time. Accusations of  “destroying the country” or “destroying democracy” are hurled in both directions over the present chasm. Even with that observation, I well remember the bitter divisions of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights era. The Civil War/War Between the States may qualify as the deepest division of US history, and it still echoes and divides today.

 Then I come to verse 56 where Jesus asks, “Why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” I readily acknowledge I do not know how to interpret the present time.

 One popular interpretation is that it is “all politics.” Donald Trump and his defenders shout that all of the investigations around him are nothing more than political witch hunts. Interestingly enough I saw one commentator suggest that Merrick Garland’s reluctance and slowness to charge Donald Trump is political awareness that an absolutely airtight case is politically essential if charges are to be brought. I guess I agree that politics are driving not just the Trump investigations but much of the division we are experiencing. I just don’t think that really explains anything but is an evasion of thinking more deeply.

 In many church circles “interpreting the present time” is part of “end times” speculations. In Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 Jesus was clear that even he did not know “the day or the hour.” Acts 2:17 suggests that the “last days” began with the coming of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 1:2 asserts that in these “last days” God has spoken to us through the Son. I certainly have no insight into God’s schedule, so by the end of today or millennia hence seem realistic possibilities. I don’t think that considering the current climate of division in the US as a sign of impending “last days” actually explains anything, and may inhibit we who trust, love, and follow Jesus from living as citizens of the Kingdom of God in our present time. I am content with praying from Psalm 31, “Into your hands I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God, (v. 5) for my times are in your hand.” (v. 15)

 Then in my Psalm prayers today, I came to 131:2. “I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.” While I cannot make a convincing interpretation of the present time, I can curl up on God’s lap to be consoled through the turmoil.