For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.
Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing,offerings and libations for the LORD, your God.
I checked out that word perhaps in several different English translations, since I don't read Greek, Hebrew, or Latin. Several other translations read, "Who knows?" for perhaps.
In every case the point is clear, God will not be tricked, manipulated, or forced into relenting and leaving behind a blessing. Nor would we want to worship a god who always does what we want. We get what we want too often already, to our regret.
Lent should be a trek into the unknown, into an uncertain wilderness. Where will sorrow for sin, repentance, and the Lord lead us? How soon might we expect relief from epidemics of Covid, drug addiction, alcoholism, and gun violence? Will the Republican Party ever be purged of Trump and renounce the gerrymandering that created him? Will we admit that Black Lives do Matter, and that America would be an impoverished nation without its innumerable minorities? Will we ever unite as One nation under God? Will the Civil War never end?
I hear many anxious remarks about "critical race theory" and no one explaining this historical theory in the light of Original Sin. But Christians have nothing to say about CRT unless they approach it from that ancient doctrine. Everything else is just blather. If they expect racism to end by teaching children about it or confronting "racist" adults, they probably believe in Santa Claus and the tooth fairy.
But, whether one's religious education ended in the second grade or continues today with continual study and contemplation of sacred doctrines, Original Sin remains mysterious.
The simplest explanation I know of is this: we've made a mess of things and we cannot fix it. The things may be our neglected infrastructure, our habitual neglect of needy persons, our unwillingness to know and own our history, or the hatred we tolerate for certain classes of persons.
Original Sin means the world is no better for my being here, and it may be worse. I cannot make it better. Nor can we make it better.
If we do not turn to God for help, there is no hope.
On Ash Wednesday we put ashes on our faces and admit that we have sinned and, without God's intervention, will sin again. The communal demonstration is not simply a personal expression of faith, though it is that. It is a frank acknowledgement of our willingness to plead with God who, perhaps, will relent and leave behind a blessing.
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.