Between Longing And Fear

All Sermons

Between Longing And Fear

January 8, 2023

Series: Epiphany A

Scripture Passage: Ephesians3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12

Book: Matthew

Rev. James E. Kirschenmann

Bulletin

Notes

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

I recently overhead a man say, “I do not want to work until I’m too old to live.”

He did not elaborate or explain what he meant but his words have stuck with me. I think it’s one of those statements that says more than the words that were spoken. My guess is that it’s not really even about his work. After all, life and work do not have to be mutually exclusive. People find life and meaning in their work, and work can be an essential part of a fulfilling life. I think he was taking about more than just work.

I wonder if maybe he was talking about his longing, desire, and searching for something -something MORE. And I wonder if he was talking about his fear – the fear of missing out, losing a part of himself, and living less than fully alive.

Admittedly, those are my interpretations, but I think the experiences of longing and fear are universal. I recognize both in my life and I’ve seen them in the lives of others. For most of us it’s probably not one OR the other, but BOTH – at the same time. We live between the two poles of longing and fear. And today’s gospel (Matthew 2:1-12) tells us that’s where epiphany lies. It lies amidst our longing and fear…

Between Longing And Fear