Apocalypse polar ice caps melting slowly ocean waters eating our shores seasons blending into each other storms increasing in voracity foreboding fills those who pay attention war consumes lives faster than we notice violence grabs young lives daily prisoners push the limits of confinement homeless people grow in numbers everywhere despair exhausts those who work for change these could surely be signs of the end though I’m not looking for the Son of Man because these things are not the work of God global warming, war, poverty are all works of human hands destroying ourselves and our world may appear to match the description of Armageddon but if we obliterate ourselves will our redemption still draw near? perhaps it is better to change our ways than to bring about an apocalypse not yet meant to be
This poem is from my book, Barefoot Theology, printed in 2013 by Wipf & Stock.
RCL – Year C – Advent 1 – November 28, 2021 – Jeremiah 33:14-16 • Psalm 25:1-10 • 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 • Luke 21:25-36
Other posts on these lectionary texts: Hope is At Hand from 2018; Human Ways from 2015; Lulu Get out of the Tree from 2012.
You Might Also Be Interested in this Advent Book
From the back cover: This book invites the reader to experience Advent as a spiritual journey to Bethlehem, a journey from darkness to light. Each week explores the traditional themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that are present throughout the season. It begins on the first Sunday of Advent inviting the reader to be open to new or unexpected encounters with God, to find the mystery and wonder so often missed in day-to-day life. Each daily meditation offers a poetic, insightful reflection on scripture verses that voice the human spirit’s longing for the Holy Spirit–the continued struggle to find light in a dark world. As the journey unfolds, the reader will walk through the cold bleakness of the winter season and the bitterness of despair, guided by the hope, peace, joy, and love promised in Christ, fulfilled on Christmas Day.
“These Advent meditations are the most challenging, creative, and meaningful ones ever published. Rachael Keefe integrates her biblical knowledge, her pastoral and prophetic perspectives, her psychological and spiritual understanding of persons, and her own life’s pilgrimage to offer profound insights and challenges for our spiritual journey through Advent. Anyone’s Advent will be enriched and made more meaningful by interacting with Keefe’s soul and mind in the meditations.” —Merle Jordan, Emeritus Professor, Boston University School of Theology
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