89 Seconds to Midnight: Last Minutes of Hope

The following guest sermon was submitted by ULC Minister Rev. Torre Journey. All ULC Ministers are invited to contribute their own sermons for consideration/publication. To submit a sermon, please email it to sermons@ulc.org.

On January 28th 2025, the Doomsday Clock was set at 89 seconds to midnight. The Doomsday Clock is not a seer of set tragedy. It is a sentinel of potential global disaster. The world has seen a number of catastrophes in recent times including war, climate disasters, political upheaval and unknowns, the full advent of Artificial Intelligence, and much more. Yet, it is because we are now here at this precipice, and that fear cannot be allowed to grow, oligarchies must be upended, and nature must triumph that we all must face the world with newfound bravery, impact, and truth.

In the year 1947, just after the end of World War II, a team of scientists known as the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists created the idea of the Doomsday Clock to represent the threats posed by scientific and technological advances. When first created, the clock was set from 7 minutes to midnight and has changed 26 times since 1947. Before now, the farthest the clock has been set is 17 minutes to midnight in 1991. It was moved to 100 seconds before midnight during the pandemic in 2020, and 90 seconds in 2023. Each time the clock was changed, it was done so in response to environmental issues, political changes, nuclear warfare and activity, and artificial intelligence.  

We do know that there is much left to be done, said, and yet to happen in the wake of resolution and change for the tragedy in our world today. But recently, I have reflected on the feeling that humanity has not grown to feel helpless against the issues. Instead, I think we know deep down that we are the ones who must step forward and be the change we wish to see in this world.

So in these last "few minutes", when it seems we have only hope left, What is it you wish the world could have done or could still do differently? What kind of world do you hope for now? Is it a vision of peace?

I hope you know, no matter who you voted for (if you voted) in the U.S.  presidential election, no matter where you spend your Sundays, even if you have once hated me or someone like me -  I will always work towards a world of peace for you and I. It will hopefully be left better for your descendants and mine. I want to believe that this hope is there for all of us. Even, sadly, when it's not in some cases. Afterall, it seems like the perfect vision found in the promise of a democratic republic and for the rest of this beautiful world. 

I also hope that if you feel alone in the struggles faced in this world, that you find solace in the safety of others both like you and willing to defend your right to live, be free, and create joy in this world. We must know that courage is forged by fear. It is the tremble we feel in unraveling mysteries that our young souls are always encountering in this wonderful life. It is the weightlessness brought on from compassion, generosity, love, and honor.

My last hope is that you do what you have always done best. Love. Write, dance, sing, wander. Fight, build, cultivate, protest, teach, and paint. Heal the Earth and her children. Honor your ancestors. Tell more people you love them and spread the best parts of yourself unto this world. Remember what is best is what is good and equitable among a civil and reasonable society. Be blessed, and go in peace.