The folk gathering for worship this morning were surprised when the power went out. They were left without lyrics and music or a public address system. Further, the church kitchen was out of order for the much anticipated post service pot luck. Our experienced worship leader (96 years young) handled the situation with ease. She rearranged the order of service while someone rushed home for a generator. She conducted communion, led prayers, and thoughtfully guided the church through prepared meditations. The theme from the Bible readings felt fitting: “Put in the hard yards of growing your faith. Be ready for the unexpected.”
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40
Eventually, it was my turn to speak. I asked, “Am I able to look at the present events from a larger perspective? What does following Christ and his way of suffering and letting go tell me today? What about Gaza, Congo, Ukraine, the harsh ideological shifts in USA and Europe and our own country?“
My conclusions:
“Gardeners in the dark” are people who nurture love, truth, and justice during difficult times. This idea comes from Parker Palmer’s recent retelling of Joel Elkes’ words. It emphasises the need to stay committed even in uncertain times.
Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Moses, and others can be seen as gardeners in the dark. They move forward in faith without full knowledge of what lies ahead, embodying trust and hope in God’s promises.
Jesus appears in today’s text as a rabbi and teacher. He uses stories and wisdom to guide us toward deeper understanding. He reinterprets Jewish traditions with originality and compassion, inviting followers to live with trust rather than fear.
Jesus calls his followers a “little flock,” emphasizing their vulnerability and cherished status. He reassures them, encouraging them not to fear because of God’s loving care. There is also the promise of the kingdom, shifting focus from material possessions (consumerism?) to the more lasting treasures of the heart.
Jesus’ parable of the master and the thief shifts pace to the unpredictability of Christ’s return. It is like a thief’s sudden arrival in the dead of night. Disciples are urged to remain watchful, ready, and faithful stewards of their lives and communities.
Jesus is both giver and disruptor. He comes to serve and bless. He also unsettles complacency, calling for readiness not based on fear but on trust in God’s timing beyond human schedules.
Faithfulness with alertness are the key takeaways. Gardeners in the dark!
Wondering Pilgrim 