Signs of the times

From the moment we wake up, many of us are inundated with newsfeeds casting interpretations, opinions and often divisive rhetoric about the economy, politics and crime. We can thank social media and the mainstream news media for this. Nevertheless, my qualm is not with our ability to interpret the world around us. Improvements in science and technology have given us tools to make predictions that have saved countless lives for centuries.

I am reminded of a warning that comes from the 16th chapter in the Book of Matthew. When the Pharisees challenged Jesus to bring forth a sign from the heavens, Jesus exposed their inability to interpret that which mattered most about the world. Jesus acknowledged that the Pharisees were skilled in forecasting the appearance of the weather, storms and currents. In spite of all of their skilled advancements, Jesus continued, the Pharisees were limited to interpreting the appearance of the weather. They could not interpret the signs of the times that impacted their very existence. “Hypocrites,” decreed Jesus.

Pride would cause us to quickly distinguish our modern society from the Pharisees who challenged Jesus. In reality, we often face the same limitation which Jesus noted of the Pharisees. At the surface, we drive a self-serving appearance before our peers. After all, we are educated by the latest news trends, tweets and opinion from some news networks. For many of us, careers and social status bolster the weight of our opinions on current affairs.

These factors comfort us when opining on the significant issues impacting our nation.

Below the surface, many of us are searching for a sign beyond what we can interpret physically. A sign beyond the divisive opinion of our peers and media, or technological and scientific predictions about our world. We search for meaning in what sometimes can feel like a world void of meaning. We search for compassion in a universe of pessimism. We search for purpose in a world that raises questions about our very existence. We search for a light in a world enveloped in a garment of darkness.

It is true that technology has given us abilities to interpret many aspects about the appearances of our world. This has done nothing to advance our understanding about the signs of the times.

It is much easier to engage in political theatrics than it is to consider forces driving them. Too many of us are concerned with condemning our nation’s leaders from differing political parties. Too few of us pray for our nation’s elected officials, and too few of us turn our frustration to the place it matters most — the voting booth.

Too many of us quickly engage in divisive political rhetoric, rather than questioning why there is such divisive rhetoric in the first place. Too many of us look for problems with our government and leadership, rather than searching for solutions. Too many of us spotlight an ocean of darkness, rather than the countless stars shining through.

Here is a challenge that also comes from the Book of Matthew: We should strive to be a beacon of light in the darkness of our world. Let us point to hope when others look for despair. Let us strive for unity where others promulgate division. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that.”

A native of Pacifica, Jonathan Madison worked as professional policy staff for the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, from 2011-2013. Jonathan works as an attorney and can be reached via email at jonathanemadison@gmail.com.