The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, ‘When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.” And in the morning, “It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’ Then he left them and went away.

Matthew 16:1-4 (NRSV)

Storms are raging this week: some real, some imagined

This week I noted the juxtaposition of the Annual Met Gala red carpet arrivals sandwiched between footage of the recent hurricanes and tropical storms. While the weather has raged, folks took some moments between storms to strut their stuff in the name of fashion…and a lot of other things. 

Some used the opportunity, as they do every year, to make statements about various issues. Some just showed up to look fabulous and to enjoy a good time. Photographers crowd the rails to capture these moments, and it’s an fanciful diversion from the pain and suffering of Hurricane season. 

Feeling Conflict(ed)

I feel conflicted sometimes when I catch glimpses of the world of fashion (just like my interaction—or lack of it—with sports). Folks get so angry about these events, demanding to know how we can be so easily distracted from the real issues facing our world. “People are still without power across the country, and here they are like irrelevant peacocks, self-absorbed and ridiculous.” 

I get it. Sometimes celebrity and fashion are very silly. On the other hand, if you don’t have some moments to relieve the pain of times like these, you can be easily overwhelmed. Some get that relief on Sunday morning, experiencing worship. Others find it on the golf course. Some love to compare and contrast the dresses and outfits on the red carpet. 

What are you so angry about?

Demonizing diversions often says more about the people hollering than the ones enjoying them. I need worship on Sunday to feel connected to you and to feel God’s covenant of care and love. And sometimes I need my music, or books, or art to take my mind off the challenges we face. There will always be things you can point to as “signs of the end.” But Jesus, when faced with the demands of those looking for signs, reminded them that they were looking in the wrong direction. 

What is his response? “You already got the sign of the story of Jonah.” If you didn’t get that message, why are you still looking? Pray for those facing these challenging times, but don’t begrudge folks when they find a release. We need the little vacations these diversions provide in order to be able to do the good work!