 |
| a fly on the mirror |
This people says:
“The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.”
(Then this word of the LORD came through Haggai, the prophet:)
Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now thus says the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied...
As much as Christians might complain about our irreligious, secular age, we cannot suppose the habit of ignoring God began recently. The Hebrew prophets complained continually about it. There is something about God's providential mercy that seems to invite being taken for granted. Atheism, not doubt, is the flip side of faith.
Even when the Lord hangs on a cross to save us from ourselves we find other things more interesting, more tragic or more entertaining. We are especially concerned about our immediate comfort and security, as this passage from Haggai demonstrates.
The people who have returned to Jerusalem after an exile of seventy years want first to build and accessorize their own homes (with paneled walls!) and then to rebuild God's house. Perhaps they still hold God to blame for the ruin they suffered. Perhaps they are more grateful to the emperor than to the Lord. Most likely, they fear their vulnerability and a revisit of tragedy. They would protect themselves first, then address the One who protects them. Religion seems to them a pleasant pastime, a hobby for spiritual persons, not a vital concern.
How do we convince our loved ones and neighbors and fellow citizens that keeping faith with God is more important than life itself?
I suppose we have to live as if it were. Arguing certainly won't help. Preaching jeremiads doesn't move anyone. Each day we thank God with a cheerful heart for the opportunities that lie before us. Each day we ask God to show us the dangers before we step into them. Each day, because no one will give us the time, we make time for prayer.
We ask God to give us a share of that free Spirit that drove the martyrs to witness their faith in God.
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.