Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Feb 8 - Weekday in OT

+ Sometimes the readings of the day are timely and noteworthy, our readings today are such readings – in the light of what is going on in this country in which we live, and move and have our being – a country that is being tested quite emphatically in elementary U.S. Government history and practice.

In the first reading we see how God tested the man and woman he created in his image and likeness telling them: according to his goodness and plan for their happiness, he gave all of creation to them to cultivate, nurture, care for and enjoy the fruits of – all except for one tree in the garden, one source of knowledge and power than he wanted to reserve for himself – for our own good.

But the man and the woman were deceived by the doubletalk, and “fake news” of the serpent and believed his lies about God – and thus they partook of a power and good that was reserved originally for God himself, and alone: the knowledge of good and evil: because with that knowledge comes responsibility and accountability. God did not want to concern mankind about these everyday decisions because he simply wanted him to be happy and carefree in a garden of paradise that would never end.

Well, we know what happened, not only did man mistrust God and disobey him, but they did indeed get the knowledge of good and evil that they were now directly responsible for the right use of – and accountable to God for exactly how it is used – but now without the vital Light of God’s grace and wisdom to know how to use it wisely, prudently and compassionately.

The evidence of the malice that was unleashed that day – even though Christ the Lord came and vanquished the Enemy, the Snake, the Satan who caused the rift – is the day to day battle with the mortally wounded Evil One who, though defeated, still wants to take down with him everyone he can on the Last Day that is surely on its way.

And the evidence that evil still persists is quite simply, and eloquently found “in what comes out of a man’s mouth, which reflects what lies really and truly in his heart” – the words, and consequent actions of men and women convict them of being in league with the enemy, or they exonerate him or her and prove that they are on the side of the Vanquisher, the Great Warrior, the Redeemer! – Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

And so, looking at what is going on in our nation’s capital today – is there evidence of “irrational, malicious, lying, divisive, uncharitable, speech” which produces “evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly?” – or any other number of procedures and policies that undermine the “spirit of brotherhood, and mutual care and nurturing”  that is the right of every person, along with the freedom to pursue life, freedom and happiness?

The word of God is truth, the WORD MADE FLESH is truth incarnate, and he lives verily and truly in the minds and hearts of his disciples who are now on the front line of what just might be the Final and Last battle that we have heard so much about – but never thought would happen on our watch.

Consecrate us, O Lord, and arm us, to be your servants and your cohort against the wiles of the wicked one!

Amen.




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