The Sound of Inevitability

"You hear that? That is the sound of inevitability."

That is a quote from a movie which premiered ten years ago and quickly became one of the most sermon-referenced films of all time. It is spoken by the film's antagonist to its protagonist, forecasting the antagonist's unstoppable triumph.

It is spoken everywhere. From the demagogues to the pundits to the prison wardens to the journalists to the extremists to the terrorists to the bankers to the televangelists to the politicians - the world is prophesying pain. Evil is coming with vengeance and cruel, unstoppable certainty. Anton Sugar is leering ahead while white lies and small compromises allow fear, anguish, and corruption to creep into every unsuspecting crevice and corner of our lives. It is too powerful, it is too pervasive, it has too great a hold and it wields too great an influence to be stopped. You may avoid it in isolation but ultimately you will not change a thing. Worse yet, you will contribute to the tide of evil in ways you will not even be aware of. You may separate yourself from the world, but the constant, universal decay marches on. It is taking us down - step by step and inch by inch.

But it's a lie. There is a deeper, more mysterious, more permanent inevitability that began before time and will last for eternity - the kingdom of God, at hand. With power to heal bodies and relationships, to bring peace to minds and countries, to end war and poverty, to bring charity and justice, to feed the hungry - heal the sick - comfort those in misery. A transcendent revolution.

Even more mysterious than its power is the fact that you and I may give ourselves to it. Through faith and belief in something infinitely bigger than ourselves we may be of service in the redemption of the world. In the destruction of the first inevitability through peace, justice, mercy and love. We band together in small groups, we meet often and love deeply, and set about doing - giving, helping, serving, offering what we have.

Could it be? Could thy kingdom come... today? Could you and I and our community of truth-seekers have a hand in the redemption of the world? Could a new day be coming? Could it be possible that the death and fear and destruction that we have been promised in short order isn't on its way? That in its place the crafter of the universe could be molding something more beautiful than our small attempts at social justice could ever dream?

Do you hear that? That is the sound of inevitability. The inevitable march of God's kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven. Despite all this ugliness we have reason for hope. Yes, despite all this ugliness, we have reason for hope - though I struggle to believe it. For joy despite sorrow, for peace despite pain. The true light which gives light to every man has come into the world and the darkness has not understood it. It is inevitable, it is immeasurable, and our present sufferings will not stand.

Do you hear it?