The readings for this week are Malachi 4:1-2a and Luke 21:5-19.  To be honest, they are not comfortable ones!  Both speak of the end of times, in ways that make it clear they may not be comfortable to everyone; but both also reflect on the peace, hope, and security that can come from our trust in God.

Go back a few decades, and as a preacher I'd probably be warming up for a good ol' hellfire-and-damnation turn-or-burn sort of Sunday; but whilst readings like this do remind us that our actions have very real consequences for our own lives and those around us - I think there's merit in listening as much to their wider social commentary.

Malachi like all the prophets, spoke out against widespread social injustice, restrictive political systems, and the oppression that always arises from gaping disparity between rich and poor.  We find the same ideas throughout Jesus' way of life and teachings, and in this gospel reading we hear his warning to his followers of what might happen if they dare to continue to speak out.

Like those who came before them, their arguments drew alongside those in need, agreed that things were not the way they should be, and proclaimed hope that God would put them right - even if that made things very uncomfortable for those who had profited (or profiteered) from the status quo.

But whilst they were standing of the shoulders of those who came before, I believe they are still very much speaking to us today.  One description I've come across of the zeitgeist of Malachi's day (somewhere around 500BC) reads, "Socially, Malachi confronts a population given to religious cynicism and political scepticism. Malachi's day was one of disillusionment and gloom."

Strikes me that's not a million miles away from where we are in our country right now!  So perhaps this is a really timely reminder, as political campaigning begins, that we have a responsibility to shape our world as God would have it be - into a place of freedom, justice, peace, equality, and love, even if bringing such a world into being makes things uncomfortable for those who profit from the status quo.  Those are the messages I'll be listening for amidst the noise of campaign, propaganda, and broadcast.

It has been said that we shouldn't mix faith and politics - but I can't help but feel Malachi did, and Jesus did, and every prophet always has.  If our faith does tell us something about how the world should (and can) be, how can it not be involved in our political decision making? An election is a moment when we have a chance to wield some genuine influence - the freedom to do so is a great privilege, and one that should be exercised on the basis of all we are, and all we believe.

Pause for prayer: Another 'set' one this week, but I thought you might like having to hand the Church of England's prayer for the 2019 General Election:

God of grace and truth, send your Spirit to guide us as we discover your will for our country. Help us to discuss the issues before us with courtesy, truth and mutual respect, and grant that all who stand for parliament will seek to serve the common good, through him who came not to be served but to serve, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.