Reactions On What Is Happening
Rev. Erik Swanson
March 30, 2025
The Scripture from Habakkuk chapter 1, verses 1-5 resonates deeply with us. It remains strikingly relevant despite being written nearly 3,000 years ago. The passage, in which the prophet describes injustice, violence, and corruption, mirrors contemporary struggles in the United States and beyond. As we reflect on recent events—executive orders, deportations, security breaches, and attacks on educational and diversity initiatives—we question what these signs reveal about the state of the nation.
The Necessity for Change
There is a necessity for change, both on a personal and societal level. Individuals must be open to transformation, just as nations and institutions must confront their flaws and seek renewal. The U.S. is grappling with oligarchy, colonialism, and economic structures that prioritize the wealthy while ignoring historical injustices. We must recognize the country's pattern of avoiding self-examination, particularly regarding its past and present exploitation of marginalized groups.
An Opportunity for Self-reflection
Drawing from spiritual wisdom, we can learn the idea that those who frustrate us most can serve as our greatest teachers. The current administration, rather than merely being a source of outrage, offers an opportunity for self-reflection. By revealing the nation’s deeper moral and systemic flaws, it forces Americans to decide whether they will acknowledge and address these issues or continue in denial. The prophetic tradition calls for truth-telling and a commitment to justice, urging people to confront uncomfortable realities and advocate for systemic change.
The Five Stages of Spiritual Formation
The concept of spiritual formation highlights five stages: Awakening, Purgation, Illumination, Dark Night, and Union. The U.S. may currently be undergoing a period of Purgation—a painful but necessary reckoning with past and present failures. Economic disparities, climate crises, and widespread discontent signal the breakdown of outdated systems, making way for something new. While this transformation is unsettling, it presents an opportunity for spiritual and social renewal if individuals and communities remain attentive to what the Spirit is revealing.
Cycles and Rhythms
Historically, major upheavals occur in cycles. The U.S. has experienced significant shifts approximately every 80 years (the Civil War, World War II, and now the current turmoil). Similarly, the Church undergoes massive transformations roughly every 500 years, such as the Great Schism and the Reformation. These patterns suggest that moments of crisis, while daunting, are also moments of profound change. Recognizing these rhythms can help people find clarity and purpose in their role within this larger movement.
Faith Calls for Persistence
Ultimately, our nation is confronting the consequences of its own decisions, accumulated over generations. While the path forward may be uncertain, faith calls for persistence in seeking justice, unity, and spiritual integrity. The challenge is not whether people are comfortable with change but whether they will engage with it in a way that aligns with divine purposes. In the midst of chaos, the call remains: to trust in God’s presence, to stand for truth, and to work toward a more just and connected world. Amen.