+ 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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