Take a Pass
In this sermon Fr. Garrett looks forward to the year 2024, predicting an increasing level and intensity of personal attacks, social conflict and general negativity, primarily owing to the contentious climate of an election cycle. It will be easy to ride along on these waves, firing our own arrows aside those of the hordes around us. There's "safety" in numbers after all, even when the numbers constitute an angry mob. But Fr. Garrett reminds us that Jesus repeatedly opposed angry mobs and stood in their way (Matthew 26:47:52), even to the point of it costing him his life. We have the choice every day, in every interaction we have, to speak and act constructively, affirmingly, and hopefully or destructively, threateningly and cynically. The prayer that opened the service at which this sermon was preached reminds us of Christians' ability to oppose the forces of negativity and darkness and sets a goal for us in 2024: "God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives."