Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 382
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
An epidemic which spans the globe overshadows everything we do this year, and our July 4 observance of national sovereignty must reflect that hard reality. Many Americans will insistently celebrate their notion of freedom with the usual pool parties, picnics, and fireworks but we might ask if they have thought this one through. Consequences of foolish actions are often severe. They exercise "rights" that, under the circumstances, are little more than wishful thinking.
Our first reading today from the Book of the Prophet Amos, describes a restored paradise,
Covid-19 has reminded us that freedom is not a God-given right but a gift we give to one another. When someone takes it from another -- as in taking liberties -- they cheapen the principle and sabotage essential trust between persons. Americans have suffered especially for those who take liberties with their guns. We pay the price annually with thousands of murders and suicides. These human sacrifices fail to atone an angry god.
The United States began its march to freedom on the wrong foot, as it accepted the compromise of chattel slavery. Failing to grant even a shred of liberty to millions of African immigrants could only result in endless and debilitating violence. Thomas Jefferson predicted that crisis long before the Civil War.
The Christian tradition speaks of freedom; the Latin word is gratia as in grace, gracious, and graceful. One who gives freely gives gracefully. One who moves freely, like a dancer or skater, moves gracefully.
God gives that grace but it must be disciplined and practiced intensely lest it become foolishness. A toddler may have learned to dance and hop about, but her movements cannot be called graceful. She will learn to move freely as her muscles grow stronger and her sense of balance is completed. Many young people, entering the military, require instruction in basic walking.
Generosity must also be practiced gracefully, with discipline. We do not admire people who place wads of cash in irresponsible hands. That's only stupid. Who was the fool who placed a powerful handgun in a little girl's hand? Did he think it was cute that a child can shoot an Uzi? When she pulled the trigger he was shot and killed.
The great existential philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre, reminded us,
Yes, days are coming, says the LORD, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the vintager, him who sows the seed; the juice of grapes shall drip down the mountains,and all the hills shall run with it. I will bring about the restoration of my people Israel; they shall rebuild and inhabit their ruined cities, plant vineyards and drink the wine, set out gardens and eat the fruits. I will plant them upon their own ground; never again shall they be plucked From the land I have given them, say I, the LORD, your God.
Jesus recalled this promise as he watched a group of Samaritans approach him. He had spoken to one of their women and they had to check out this apparent messiah.
The passage might have been familiar to Christian pioneers as they cleared the forests and plowed the prairies of North America. The land seemed to welcome even inept farmers with abundance. They would believe,
The passage might have been familiar to Christian pioneers as they cleared the forests and plowed the prairies of North America. The land seemed to welcome even inept farmers with abundance. They would believe,
This land is your land, this land is my land / From California to the New York Island / From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters / This land was made for you and me.
Covid-19 has reminded us that freedom is not a God-given right but a gift we give to one another. When someone takes it from another -- as in taking liberties -- they cheapen the principle and sabotage essential trust between persons. Americans have suffered especially for those who take liberties with their guns. We pay the price annually with thousands of murders and suicides. These human sacrifices fail to atone an angry god.
The United States began its march to freedom on the wrong foot, as it accepted the compromise of chattel slavery. Failing to grant even a shred of liberty to millions of African immigrants could only result in endless and debilitating violence. Thomas Jefferson predicted that crisis long before the Civil War.
The Christian tradition speaks of freedom; the Latin word is gratia as in grace, gracious, and graceful. One who gives freely gives gracefully. One who moves freely, like a dancer or skater, moves gracefully.
God gives that grace but it must be disciplined and practiced intensely lest it become foolishness. A toddler may have learned to dance and hop about, but her movements cannot be called graceful. She will learn to move freely as her muscles grow stronger and her sense of balance is completed. Many young people, entering the military, require instruction in basic walking.
Generosity must also be practiced gracefully, with discipline. We do not admire people who place wads of cash in irresponsible hands. That's only stupid. Who was the fool who placed a powerful handgun in a little girl's hand? Did he think it was cute that a child can shoot an Uzi? When she pulled the trigger he was shot and killed.
The great existential philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre, reminded us,
"Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does."
Belief in God does not change that statement. But it can direct us to accept our freedom with gratitude and discipline, realizing that it should bond us together and not tear us apart.
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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.