Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

It’s painful to see the forces of darkness at work, even when the violence is thousands of miles away. It hurts because we all know, in different ways, what it’s like to suffer. We picture the people of Kiev (the capital of Ukraine) fleeing their bombarded homes in midwinter. We hear of thousands huddling in subway stations for safety and imagine the terror of tanks invading their streets.

How could that be happening to such a peaceful nation? It’s simple, really: to satisfy a petty dictator’s lust for power and empire. Once again, evil is at work in the world, visible to everyone. Bishop Steven Charleston called it “the shadow of the bully, cast long across the playground of time.” Sadly, it’s not the first time this has happened, and it won’t be the last.

What can we do when we feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of darkness? That’s an important question these days, in a time of political chaos, drought and wildfires, infectious greed, and now the horrors of war. Given that background, it’s such a challenge to embrace the first part of the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…”

That’s not the end of the prayer, though. It goes on to ask God for “courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.” Well-known in recovery groups, this prayer offers important lessons to anyone who seeks to live a spiritual life.

1. Stay connected with the Creator. The first page of the Bible tells us, “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, darkness covered the face of the deep. Then God said, “Let there be light…” (Genesis 1:1) When the darkness becomes oppressive, remember that it’s not our job to generate light. Our part is to recognize the light and reflect it back to others.

2. Stay close to people who care. All of us lose our way at times, but some people learn to take a deep breath and ground themselves in the Spirit. That helps them care for others and for themselves, important survival skills. When you find people like that, stick with them.

3. Make a positive impact in your community. One congregation won’t be able to stop the invasion of Ukraine or prevent climate change, but each of us can (and must!) do something. Every time we encourage a young person or help an elder or feed someone who’s hungry, the light shines more brightly. If lots of communities commit to serving others, the world will be changed, slowly but surely.

Just before he “set his face to go to Jerusalem,” Jesus took three of his closest friends up on the sacred mountain, and deep in prayer, he began to radiate the most dazzling light. Peter, James and John were awestruck and terrified, overwhelmed by the power of the moment. Afterwards they were afraid to tell anyone what they’d seen, but they realized what we all need to know today: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (Gospel of John 1:5) Let your light shine, and let’s be part of illuminating the world.