We live in anxious times

We live in anxious times.  As we remember 11 years ago the terrible events of 9/11/2011 we most likely feel some of the uncertainty and anxiety of those times.  As we consider the economy, we most likely feel uncertainty, stress, and anxiety.  As we observe the political "process," of this election season (if we can call it a process at all - more like a chaos), we most likely do not find a lot to be positive about.  We live in anxious times.

So, what do we do in anxious times, what do we do individually, what do we do corporately.  I am afraid that far too often, we turn inward and insular in our outlook, and we become more and more individualistic when what is really needed is a broadened vision, and a wider focus on community and cooperation.

This week, in our Sunday Collect - the prayer that we say near the beginning of our Sunday service - names the fact that we are anxious, and that in these anxious moments we should focus not on the "earthly," but rather on the "heavenly."  I believe this Collect is a concise and hopeful reminder of where we should focus our attention.

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.