When Solomon was old his wives had turned his heart to strange gods, and his heart was not entirely with the LORD, his God, as the heart of his father David had been... The LORD, therefore, became angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel....
Unlike the official historians of many nations, the Jewish historians of First and Second Kings spoke frankly of their sovereign's sins. They would not whitewash the past as if their rulers had always been upright, just men. They appreciated Solomon's building the temple and establishing a royal academy to promote Jewish culture, language, and religion but they could not overlook his flagrant infidelity.
No descendant of Abraham or disciple of Jesus can ever say, "That should be enough to satisfy the LORD." We never finish our prayers; we never leave God's presence; we never retire from discipleship. The baptized are circumcised in the heart, a mark which cannot be disguised. In Catholic parlance we say that Baptism, Confirmation, and Ordination leave an indelible character on the soul which remains into eternity. To use philosophical language in a religious context, we are metaphysically different. A Christian might renounce their religion but the Lord does not forget the promises that were given to that individual, nor the threats. To whom much is given, much will be required.
I have often reminded Veterans in the substance abuse program of the challenge of walking upright. It's the most difficult thing a human ever learns. It requires great strength and extraordinary coordination of the entire body, from the toes to the neck, to carry an eleven pound head above one's shoulders. and yet we insist on doing it as long as possible. No one who can walk envies the senior who must get about in a motorized wheelchair.
I see this universal human challenge as symbolic of the human enterprise. In Paul Tillich's expression, everyone is given "the courage to be." It never gets easy; it never gets easier. And many people fail. They turn to shortcuts but some shortcuts make life more difficult and more painful. Some are fatal. Tragically, the failing human adores these apparent solutions. They cannot quit using them.
The Baptized rise to the challenge of being human by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Fully alive, we soar on eagle's wings! With love anything is possible! And without love, even the simplest chores are beyond our reach.
Solomon failed. We give him to the Lord for judgement; we do not presume to judge anyone. But neither do we aspire to his wealth, luxury, and decadence.
We beg the Lord to give us the Spirit to take up our crosses each day and walk in his footsteps. We don't ask for an easier way; we ask for greater strength and more courage.
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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.