 |
| Junior Rodeo at the MN State Fair 2012 |
A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea and said: "With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down, and will never be found again. No melodies of harpists and musicians, flutists and trumpeters,
will ever be heard in you again. No craftsmen in any trade will ever be found in you again....
Jesus said to his disciples: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
During this last week of the liturgical year we hear grim predictions about the fate of powerful cities. But prophesies of doom are not new to us. Our queen and mother, the Virgin of Galilee predicted as much when she greeted Elizabeth:
Many Americans like to play with the Christian's favorite psalm: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for I am the baddest *** in the valley. They intend this as a joke, but they also mean it. They have invested heavily in technological, earthly power. Many are heavily armed with their own personal weapons; many vote consistently for whichever party promises more to the military. Perhaps unconsciously, we have become a militarized society.
His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.The message is good news for those who wait on God, the Lord of History. We have nothing to fear. For Americans this message might be easier to hear if the United States had not invested so much in national security. Stunned by Pearl Harbor and 9/11, we have attempted to protect ourselves from surprise attack.
Many Americans like to play with the Christian's favorite psalm: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for I am the baddest *** in the valley. They intend this as a joke, but they also mean it. They have invested heavily in technological, earthly power. Many are heavily armed with their own personal weapons; many vote consistently for whichever party promises more to the military. Perhaps unconsciously, we have become a militarized society.
Isaiah warned his contemporaries about such bad investments, when heavy equipment were war horses and chariots:
Faith in God does not permit such a compromise. Either we believe in God or we don't. I lived in Australia for a while, and have visited Canada, Ireland and Italy. None of these have invested so much in security. They strive to live with other nations, without dominating anyone. Sadly, I found it easier to breathe in those countries than in my native land.
Alas for those who go down to Egypt for help and who rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord! (Isaiah 31: 1)
For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up and high... (Isaiah 2: 12)
 |
| Prize winning horse at the MN State Fair |
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.