In our time and place: a brief reflection

Paul sits at his pastor's study, his troubled expression betraying the burden on his heart. The once vibrant congregation he loves now seems to struggle amid uncertainty and division. Pouring out his anxieties to his pastor, Paul longs for the days of the past, when the Church seemed to be so united and vibrant. Life in the Church seemed to be happier and healthier for most of the time.

"I understand your disappointment, Paul," the pastor responds with empathy in his voice. "It is frequently mine too. But you know, the Church probably was never better than we are today. We can single out some of her thriving and momentous times, but the truth is, from its earliest days, survival, challenges and disruptions have been her constant companion."

The pastor is right. From the clandestine gatherings of persecuted believers in her early days to the power struggles and tumultuous theological debates of the Middle Ages, and into the disputes, politics, and divisions of the 20th Century, the Church's path has been one of blessings and trials, bounty and test. Looking back into Church History, especially when done within the confines of a superficial survey, brings the danger of idealizing the past. The Church's story is not one of straightforward perfection but rather a tapestry woven with threads of wins and losses, triumph and tragedy, sin and Grace. Even during periods of prosperity and prominence, the Church has always faced internal discord and external pressures. At the same time, all of that happened as She continued to be, by the action of the Holy Spirit through the Word, the beacon of hope and steadfastness the shifting sands of time.

This reminds us of the material the Church is made of: people. While honouring the contributions of past generations, it is necessary to resist the temptation to romanticize their struggles, to gloss over their shortcomings or to idealize their worship and community life. Even, to resist the temptation of believing that the practices of the past are the only ones valid for the present. The life of the Church across the centuries points to the faith, life and resilience of ordinary men and women striving to live out their faith in an ever-changing world around them. 

Acting in the present, the Church embraces its role as a living embassy of God's enduring grace and faithfulness in Jesus, built up by the Holy Spirit, in her time. We draw inspiration from the saints and martyrs who have gone before us, yet, we are also called to be faithful stewards of the present, for the Church is marching towards the New Earth and New Heavens. Our actions today shape our legacy as we pass the torch to future generations.

"As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, we hold fast to the timeless truths of the Bible", the Pastor wrapped up his talk with a now deeply reflective Paul. "The past inspires us on how to engage with the present time,as we pursue our main task as His Church: to share our Bible-based, Christ-centred, life-directed message with people in our time and place."