Faith in Midair

Mark 13:1-8

In today’s sermon, Father Mark reflects on the transience of worldly things and the importance of a firm spiritual foundation, especially in uncertain times. He draws from Jesus’ prediction of the Temple’s destruction and the tumultuous historical context of Mark’s gospel, written during a period of chaos for early Christians. Just as the Temple’s destruction left a physical void, personal and collective crises shake our foundations today, such as wars, natural disasters, and events like 9/11 and COVID. Yet, amid this instability, we are called to ground ourselves in God’s enduring love and eternal truths, which transcend the temporary, worldly upheavals around us.

Father Mark encourages the congregation to consider times when they felt in “midair,” like a trapeze artist between handholds—a state theologian John Shea describes as an opportunity to find meaning beyond immediate circumstances. Even as our identities and roles shift, our deeper identity as part of God’s eternal kingdom remains constant. He emphasizes that at Christ Church, this “midair” moment is met with hope in God’s promises, symbolized in Jeremiah’s words: “I know the plans I have for you… plans for good… to give you a future with hope.”

As this sermon is given on Stewardship Sunday, Father Mark invites everyone to reflect on how they can continue or deepen their support for Christ Church’s ministries, highlighting the unique and compassionate role this church community plays in their lives and the world. Through acts of generosity, friendship, and service, Christ Church stands as a “lantern of light” in a world filled with division and darkness, reminding everyone that their contributions foster a beloved community that embodies God’s steadfast love.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.