Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey....
Can human beings be worthy of God's merciful protection and generous blessings? Can we hope that the Lord might say, at least to some of us, "Come share your masters joy?" Or, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world?"
Are these nothing more than empty promises of fervid religious fantasies? The optimism of the few humans who enjoy their unearned, undeserved privilege and expect the same favored treatment in an imaginary afterlife?
A glance at the current news is discouraging. Some people explain our senseless violence with Darwinian theory; a survival of the fittest gone insane. Others insist it began with the childish disobedience of a gullible pair in a prehistoric Eden. Neither premise offers much to hope for, and we find little of infinite worth in the daily news. We'd rather forget most of what we read.
And yet, a thing of beauty is a joy forever, as the young poet John Keats said. Those who are willing do find things of infinite worth even in our daily life, things that go unnoticed and unremarked by intrepid recorders of current events. And sleeping children are surely worthy of protection, nourishment, and opportunity. Even their grumpiness upon waking is darling and deserving.
Lent promises new opportunity to those who are willing to obey the Lord and set things right. Although our crimes are scarlet they may become brilliant white; our behavior, which has been deplorable, may delight the angels who behold God's face.
Lent begins with me, with my willingness to turn away from my sinful habits and attitudes, and the systemic sins of my culture to study the ways of God. If I hesitate, supposing that someone else should make the first move, I'll be left behind when they do.
Doctors, counselors, spiritual directors, and pastors understand that change begins when I realize the problem is me. So long as I suppose it's someone else; or suppose that "I am what I am and I cannot change," nothing will change; and the descent into hell will only continue. Neither abundant blessings nor ominous threats nor punishing catastrophes can make me change my attitude, practice, or habits. Nor will a half-hearted, go-along-to-get-along, compromise suffice. Nor will a temporary adjustment with an expectation of reverting as soon as Lent is over, satisfy a jealous God.
But if you refuse and resist,the sword shall consume you:for the mouth of the LORD has spoken! (Isaiah 16:20)
Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. Hebrews 4:12-13
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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.