Explaining the response of the Japanese people to the recent earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident, a radio commentator pointed to their secular society. With a secular orientation one is less likely to ask: “who is to blame?” The answers to why something happens come from science and are not based in a theological mind-set. They would not likely see an act of nature as punishment from God.
Although Jesus is the center of a theological world-view, he challenged the practice of finding blame. When people asked who was to blame for a man being born blind (either his parents or himself), Jesus answers: “he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.”
Disciples of Jesus are led, by his example, not to determine blame in any challenging situation; but to apply the love of God in addressing people’s needs. In response to the tragedy facing the Japanese people, there will be time later to discuss the science of quakes, waves and nuclear energy. Now is the time to assist providing food, medicine, shelter, etc. Now is the time to act as God’s loving hands. Such is a holy response of love and these are sacred works of God.
Those who react by asking: “Whose sin caused this to happen?” are not following the example of Jesus.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
We Are Dust
Remember that “you are dust and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19)
In our Ash Wednesday liturgy we apply ashes (as a cross on the forehead) while we say these words. It is meant to begin a season of repentance. We are reminded of our humble beginnings. We are also reminded that we are mortals and will die.
This may be a discomforting realization for many. But it will be especially so for those who live lives of privilege.
In the developed world, (of which the United States is a part) many are comfortable in large homes, with the blessing of good health, and the fulfillment of every need. For those of us who are so fortunate, the reality of death and dying is not a welcome thought. In fact, we may arrange our lives precisely to avoid considering such truth.
I would suggest, however, that the disciple of Jesus of Nazareth lives with the reality of hunger, illness, and death every day. Because, every day Jesus was found among those mindful of being dust; and that is where his example would lead us.
Today in the United States, we find a widening gap between the privileged and those who have unfulfilled needs. Truth is that the numbers of the struggling are increasing. The ranks of the hungry, the homeless, and the dying are a growing segment of our population. The disciple of Jesus, following his lead, will always be confronted with the pain of the human condition. Therefore, being reminded that “we are dust” will not hit the disciple unaware; and we can be ever ready to share the good news of the resurrection.
In our Ash Wednesday liturgy we apply ashes (as a cross on the forehead) while we say these words. It is meant to begin a season of repentance. We are reminded of our humble beginnings. We are also reminded that we are mortals and will die.
This may be a discomforting realization for many. But it will be especially so for those who live lives of privilege.
In the developed world, (of which the United States is a part) many are comfortable in large homes, with the blessing of good health, and the fulfillment of every need. For those of us who are so fortunate, the reality of death and dying is not a welcome thought. In fact, we may arrange our lives precisely to avoid considering such truth.
I would suggest, however, that the disciple of Jesus of Nazareth lives with the reality of hunger, illness, and death every day. Because, every day Jesus was found among those mindful of being dust; and that is where his example would lead us.
Today in the United States, we find a widening gap between the privileged and those who have unfulfilled needs. Truth is that the numbers of the struggling are increasing. The ranks of the hungry, the homeless, and the dying are a growing segment of our population. The disciple of Jesus, following his lead, will always be confronted with the pain of the human condition. Therefore, being reminded that “we are dust” will not hit the disciple unaware; and we can be ever ready to share the good news of the resurrection.
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