Do you know an individual or community whose story, against significant odds, burns bright with hope? Thomas Coombes, who works with Amnesty International, tells an intriguing story about a woman named Sara. One night in her country, she learned secret police were coming to apprehend her. To escape, she and her husband undertook a dangerous trip to leave their country. When they got to the border, they stared at a barrier, a high fence with barbed wire at the top. Her husband lost heart, and urged them to turn back. But though she was pregnant, she knew her life and the life of her infant were in grave danger. She scaled that fence, cutting herself many times, and her reluctant spouse came with her. On the other side, the border guards were reluctant to deport a pregnant women. They asked her, “Why are you seeking asylum?” She replied, “Because I am a Jew.” She was fleeing the Gestapo in her home country of France to find refuge in Switzerland. Thomas, speaking of her determined hope, says, “If she hadn’t survived, I would not be here. Sara was my grandmother.”
Jesus tells a story about bridesmaids who, in the Jewish custom of the day, were waiting for the bridegroom to arrive so he could be escorted to the wedding feast. Because the groom was delayed, the bridesmaids grew weary and fell asleep. Five of the ten had adequate oil in their lanterns, and their light remained bright. The others were not prepared, and had to go to seek oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom came, they were absent, and they missed the great moment. Jesus summarizes that faithful disciples are to keep awake, because they do not know when the great moment will happen. They are to do all they can to keep hope alive.
How do we as disciples keep hope alive in world with growing darkness. We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday morning, as the sermon is titled, “Lights of Hope in a Darkening World.” The sermon arises from Matthew 25: 1-13, which will be read by Mike Sonneborn. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong, will lead us musically. We will have a Mission Moment by Deb Davis, inviting us to give to those who will benefit from a nutritious Thanksgiving Meal. We’ll also sing, pray and have a moment for children.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the livestream.