By: Bryce Masek, Pastor Central Sunrise Mountain
Is any of this normal? The news? Social media? The rapid and unfiltered digital dissemination of global events and acts of violence that are instantly broadcast onto our personal devices and TVs? A nation thrown into turmoil in slow motion, a world falling apart in 4K.
Living in the United States, I’ve read comments or heard murmurs from compatriots that go along the lines of: “This isn’t who we are,” or “it hasn’t always been this way.” But sadly, this has always been an inescapable part of our history, both as a nation and as a world. People have treated other people as strangers to fear, property to own, and enemies to vanquish. Based on religious, racial, and economic characteristics, we as humans have the tendency to demean and dehumanize others when they look, behave, and think differently from us. It’s a tale as old as time.
So what does God have to say to us in such a polarized and fractured world, where more things seem to be working against us than what unites us? While God’s Word is obviously the best and most important place to begin, this year I am focusing on hagiography, the study of the saints. Even though saints do not have greater authority than others to speak into our lives and are clearly not equal to God, I do believe that many saints were incredibly faithful and courageous people, from whom we have much to gain by studying their lives and listening to their words. The saint whose words I wanted to share today is St. Hildegard of Bingen, an eleventh-century nun from present-day Germany, who was a prolific composer and author. It has been said that God spoke to her through miraculous visions.
St. Hildegard had a passionate heart for both people and creation. Listen to how she beautifully describes the inherent dignity and value of every created thing: “Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity.” This, in turn, reminds me of God’s very first words at the beginning of Creation:
“Then God said, ‘Let us make a man and a woman in our image to be like us… So God created man and woman and shaped them with his image inside them. In his own beautiful image, he created his masterpiece. Yes, male and female he created them… And God blessed them in his love…” Genesis 1:26-28 (TPT).
We are all image-bearers of God, and we are also all His masterpieces. We are the greatest thing God has created, and we reflect both His physical, emotional, and mental attributes. When we fully take into account our shared origin and value, it helps us to see “that person” or “those people,” despite their differences, as fellow masterpieces, worthy of the dignity and respect that is afforded to priceless pieces of art in museums and galleries. Every person, despite any of their differences and mistakes, mirrors the Divine.
What if, instead of attacking, judging, and canceling the people who are different from us, we became advocates for their well-being and chose to see them as simply different reflections of our same, shared Heavenly Father? That said, it is incredibly hard to do good. It is quite difficult to push through our human tendencies, and it is nearly impossible to champion the needs and concerns of our enemies, and the “least of these” who have nothing to give back in return. Doing good in a world filled with so much darkness and vitriol can cause even the most spiritually mature person to want to give up, but God tells us to keep on and not give up:
“And don’t allow yourselves to be weary in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming! Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith!” Galatians 6:9 (TPT)
What if instead of doomscrolling, we gave hope and words of encouragement with our mobile devices? What if instead of escaping and vegging out on the TV through mass consumption of media, we used it instead to learn more about those we don’t understand and those we fear for lack of knowing? Even in a world that feels like it is on fire and drifting further apart, may the words of St. Hildegard of Bingen resonate within our hearts and minds:
“Even in a world that’s being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong.”