ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 21, 2022
Decisions are made in seats of power, some political, some religious, and these decisions are often harmful to those who have little or no power. The irrational rationalization of many such decisions is to protect good, wholesome people from those who seek to impose their immoral or violent agendas, but the irrational rationalization is not well disguised to anyone who is willing to ask serious questions. The prophets of old invited the people to be cautious and wise, so as not to allow those who had power to prey upon the fears of the masses at the expense of the powerless. Their holy and inspired words were often squelched by those who had power and wished to protect their power. The ancient words of Isaiah 10 continue to speak powerfully even today,
Doom to those who pronounce wicked decrees,
and keep writing harmful laws
to deprive the needy of their rights
and to rob the poor among my people of justice;
to make widows their loot;
to steal from orphans!
when disaster comes from far away?
To whom will you flee for help;
where will you stash your wealth?
Some of those decisions have been made in recent days, and many of the vulnerable and powerless will be robbed of their rights. I grieve for the many, and I am afraid for those whom I love. I will not sleep well in the days ahead.
O God who shares love abundantly and seeks justice passionately, help me to set aside the anxieties that so many seek to manipulate. Instead, with the help of your Spirit, I will share your far-reaching love and seek to embody the justice the prophets demanded. Amen.
