“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert.” –J. Robert Oppenheimer
12th Ordinary Sunday June 21, 2020 “Trust Instead of Fear”
Jeremiah 20:10-13 Romans 5:12-15 Matthew 10:26-33
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –
There is one thing for certain that the Corona Pandemic has forced us to do and that is to assess our priorities. Everyone has been affected by the virus in some way. Sooner or later most will be exposed to it in some way before herd immunity is finally achieved.
The economic consequences of the pandemic have touched everyone even if the virus has not. Consequently, most of us have had to reflect very seriously upon what is truly necessary for our physical and economic survival and what is not. Moreover, everyone must come to grips with the shortness and the tenuousness of our physical life on this planet!
Unfortunately, those without faith, belief in God, or hope in an after-life probably suffer the greatest anxiety. Life here is all that they believe we have. Thus, they must live as long as they can and stay alive at all costs.
Those with true faith are in an entirely different position – For they know in their heart of hearts that they are made for something more. Their belief in God helps them to aspire to the goodness that brings great inner peace even now! And they also trust that God, who is the Supreme Good, will, ultimately, triumph over the worst evil in the world!
Jeremiah was a prophet whom God sent to change the hearts of the Chosen People and their leadership five centuries before the coming of Christ. However, with the exception of only one king, whose reign was short-lived, those in power resisted Jeremiah and wanted him destroyed. Jeremiah had to be constantly vigilant wherever he was because of his unsettling message.
Today, Jeremiah praises God because, somehow, God always protected him and delivered him. In fact, Jeremiah escaped to Egypt and lived in personal spiritual freedom shortly before Jerusalem was destroyed and the Chosen People exiled to Babylon!
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us that God has a purpose and a plan behind everything that happens in our lives and in our world. God can even bring goodness and salvation despite the evil that often seems rampant everywhere.
Today, Jesus counsels us to fear no one – and we could add: no thing!
God will ultimately triumph. “Nothing is concealed or secret that will not be revealed!” We are not to fear the political powers or the viruses that can wreak havoc and even kill our bodies. God knows all and sees all. Just as He knows what happens to the sparrows in our trees, so, too, He knows us and what happens to us. Furthermore, we have far more value than the sparrows themselves!
What is paramount for us is that we never break faith with Jesus or with the Father who sent him. We cannot let fear of the virus or its economic consequences overpower us or cause us to despair. Very likely, there could be a second, or even a third, wave of the virus. This could happen before a vaccine is available or herd immunity is achieved. Nevertheless, no matter what transpires, we must not give up or begin to lose faith.
St. Paul reminds us that death entered the world through our first parents.
They sinned by wanting to be gods themselves. It was not enough for them to be God-like and created in God’s image. They wanted divine autonomy – to be free from the Godhead – And for this they brought suffering and death to all of their children!
This temptation to be accountable to no one is the same temptation to which much of our modern world has succumbed even before these present troubled times.
Moreover, that self-serving arrogance is far worse than the virus itself, because it can kill our soul and destroy our relationship with God. This is the reason St. Paul reminds us that although we inherited death from Adam and Eve – we now have eternal life through the gift of Jesus himself!
And so, Brothers and Sisters, let us never lose heart – God knows all things.
God can bring goodness and salvation even in the face of the seeming power of evil.
May we continue to walk with Jesus no matter what lies ahead. And may our hearts and souls always embrace God who continues to give divine life to us!
Amen.
June 21, 2020 Msgr. Russell G. Terra Msgr. Russell G. Terra, Parish Homilies, February 16, 2020 Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Redding, CA
This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal. It’s an opportunity to let the events of this world grow increasingly dim, while we focus on things above – God’s glory and grace.
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.
Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11)
We look at the struggle of life in the light of Paul’s great revelation that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world’s present darkness, the spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places.”
We see that all that happens to us in our lives as Christians which discourages us, defeats us, confuses us, or renders us indifferent to the great truth of God is part of this great struggle. It is a manifestation of this conflict in which we are engaged.
We are aware of failures, of problems, of weakness, of obstinacy and stubbornness, of rebellion, and other things in our life of which we are not proud. These again have been manifestations of this great struggle in which we are engaged.
We are coming now to a time of conflict, another time of struggle. What can we do about this? How can we fight back? In practical terms, what can we do about the struggle we face?
First, we put on the armor of God. Paul says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The clear implication is that if we do not put on the whole armor of God, we will not be able to stand. If we are doubtful about that, life itself will prove it to us. We cannot stand without this armor which represents what we are in Christ and what Christ is to us now, in very practical terms.
Everything rests ultimately on that first piece of armor, which is Jesus Christ as the truth. Let us gird up our loins with the girdle of truth. All Christian faith relates to and derives from the authority of Jesus Christ. He is the truth. That is the first thing. We are to put on the whole armor of God.
Second, he tells us we are to pray. Not merely put on the armor, but also pray. Not only to think about what Christ is and the great truths he reveals, but also to talk to God about them, to lean on his help, to hold conversation with him, to engage ourselves directly and personally with the God who is our strength and our help. We can talk to him and pray about all things.
Now we come to the third and last thing in the apostle’s admonition to us in this passage. It is given to us in but one word, but a word which is repeated four different times throughout this entire passage. It is the word stand.
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore. (Ephesians 6:11, 6:13-14a)
Everything aims at this, that we might be able to stand. What does it mean, “to stand”? We are to refuse to move from the ground of faith we have taken, refuse to yield ground, stand. Now why does the apostle put it this way? Why does he not say fight? Having done all, fight! Put on the whole armor of God and advance, charge. Why does he not use some military term that speaks of moving out?
We must take these words seriously, for, after all, these are not play words used lightly. These are serious commands given in a very serious fight. The apostle uses the word stand because it is the only proper word to use. It is the only word which describes the final attitude we must have to insure absolute victory.
As we look at this word more carefully, we can see that it touches on three aspects of the struggle of life: First, the use of this word stand reveals to us the intensity of the struggle in which we are involved. We are told to stand because there are times when that is all we can do. The most we can possibly hope to achieve at times is that we should simply stand, unmoved. The intensity of the conflict becomes so furious, so fierce, there is nothing else we can do but simply hold oue ground. That is what this word implies to us.
Paul has already spoken in this passage about evil days which come. These are days when circumstances simply stagger us, when we face some combination of events, some disheartening tragedy or circumstance that almost knocks us off our feet and we can do nothing else but hope to stand where we are. There are times when doubts plague us. We are exposed to intellectual attacks and we find we have all we can do to assert any degree of faith at all. There are situations and circumstances into which we come when we are overwhelmed with fears and anxieties and we scarcely can keep our heads, because we are under pressure. There are times when indifference seems to sap our spiritual strength so much we lose all our vitality. It drains away our will to act, our motivation, and we seem unable to make ourselves do the simplest things to maintain faith.
This is all part of the struggle. We get disturbed when we see our growth in the Christian life apparently stopped. Our ministry or our witness seems to be impossible or ineffective. All the challenge and keenness of our spiritual life is gone. What are we to do then? Paul says we are to gird up our loins, put on the whole armor of God, pray, and having done all, stand! Stay right where you are until the attack lessens. This is the final word.
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,” (1 Timothy 4:1). We read that as though it were a prediction of the closing moments of the age. But the “latter times” means the whole of the age, from our Lord’s first coming until his second. Paul is not talking about one particular time of trouble reserved for the last moment; he is talking about troubles which come throughout the whole course of these latter days.
But the Word also makes clear that these troubles become fiercer in intensity and more widespread in their impact as the age draws to its close. There is a growing awareness in our day that we live in a one-world community. We are no longer separated from other peoples by great distances of thought or time. What happens on the other side of the world today affects us tomorrow. We are very much aware of this.
The vaunted solutions of men are not working. The approaches to these problems upon which men pin their faith — such as education, scientific discoveries, economic improvements, better legislation — these things are not working.
It is getting worse, because, as we have seen all along, the issue never lies in these superficial, surface realms. It lies much deeper, in the hearts and souls of men under the domination of cruel and resistless power that dominates the world, whom Paul calls “the world rulers of this present darkness.” Only the delivering strength of Jesus Christ is adequate to deal with them.
That is the world we are facing, and because of it, there are many who are faltering. God is permitting this in order to separate the phony from the true. He says he will do this; the Word makes it very clear. There is a passage in Hebrews where we are definitely told that the things which can be shaken will be shaken. God is allowing these testings to reveal the genuine and to remove what can be shaken in order that what cannot be shaken might remain.
Therefore, evil days come. When they come into your own personal experience you will need to remember that the Word of God to you is to put on the whole armor of God, to pray, and then stand. Perhaps you will realize that there is nothing else you can do, but that you can win if you stand.
There is a second aspect of the struggle indicated by this word stand. It indicates to us the character of the battle the Christian faces. We are to stand because this is a defensive action, primarily. The proper defense will win the day. If a castle is under attack from an army, the battle is not won by those in the castle venturing forth to overwhelm the army outside. The battle is won by repelling all invasion. This is a picture of our Christian life. This is a defensive battle, not offensive. We are not out to take new ground; we are to defend that which is already ours.
In the Christian battle the offensive work was done almost 2000 years ago at the cross and the resurrection. The Lord Jesus is the only one who has the power and strength to take the offensive in this great battle with the prince of darkness. But he has already done that. All that we possess as believers is already given to us. We do not fight for it. We do not battle to be saved, or fight to be justified, or forgiven, or accepted into the family of God. All these things are given to us. They were won by another, who, in the words of Paul in Colossians, “took principalities and powers and nailed them to his cross, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14-15), and led them captive who had held the world captive.
We are to hold on to that which God gives us and not let any of it be lost or taken from us, as to our use of it. This is what the phrase “contend earnestly for the faith” means. It means to hold on to what God has already given you and utilize it to the full. As Paul writes to the Corinthians, “Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong,” (1 Corinthians 16:13 KJV). Do not surrender an inch of ground, even though others do.
The Christian who learns to stand, to give up no segment of his faith, but to put on the armor of God and to pray and thus be immovable, is the only Christian who in any way will reflect the love of Christ in the midst of unlovely situations.
There is a third aspect of the struggle suggested by this word. It is the certainty of victory. If putting on the armor of God and prayer makes it possible to stand unmoved and immovable, then nothing more is required to win. After all, if a castle cannot be taken, the attacking army has nothing left to do but to withdraw. There is nothing else it can do. It is defeated, beaten.
Any saint, any believer, even the newest and weakest, who stands in the strength of Christ, puts on the whole armor of God, and, in dependence upon the presence of God in prayer, stands, then the devil is always defeated.
The devil ultimately must be defeated if anyone will simply stand on what God has said. It is his fate continually to be defeated by the very weapons he tries to use against God and his people.
The cross is the great example of this. The cross looked like the supreme achievement of the devil, the supreme moment of victory when all the powers of darkness were howling with glee as they saw the Son of God beaten and wounded, rejected and despised, hanging upon a cross, naked, before all the world. It looked like the triumph of darkness. Jesus said it was: “This is your hour,” he said, “and the power of darkness,” (Luke 22:53b). But it was that very moment when the devil lost. In the cross all that the devil had risked was defeated, beaten down, and the devil and all his angels were disarmed and openly displayed as defeated by the power of Jesus Christ.
This is what God does all through life. The devil sends sickness, defeat, death, darkness, pain, suffering, and tragedy. It is all the work of Satan. But that is not the whole of the story. God takes those very things — those very things! — and uses them to strengthen us and bless us, to teach us and enlarge us and fulfill us, if we stand. This is the whole story.
This is what it means to stand. One of these days, the Bible says, the struggle will end. It will end for all of us at the end of our lives, but it can end before that in the coming of the Lord. Someday it will be over, there is no doubt. And someday it will be said to some, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Adapted from *https://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/ephesians/the-infallible-posture
There is darkness in the world. However, that particular darkness is not the absence of daylight. It is the darkness of evil. It is the antithesis of anything good, true, and beautiful. It is a powerful force – But not so powerful that a pinprick of light cannot penetrate it.
One of the ways that this darkness expresses itself is in the violence of our modern society. And of particular note is the way that many people resist something they dislike.
The behavior of many Americans has become increasingly dark and violent in the way that they will demonstrate their protest. Protest is not bad in itself. However, when it becomes violent or destructive – when it disrupts free speech – it does more harm than good.
Our First Amendment protects the freedom of speech. But this does not mean violently demonstrating or violently counter-demonstrating when someone else has a legitimate forum from which they speak!
Moreover, we can usually judge any cause or idea by the behavior of those who champion it. If they use violent or destructive means to get a hearing, then there is something wrong with what they espouse.
Jesus Christ was sent into the world to liberate the human race from the darkness of sin, ignorance, and the power of evil. Several hundred years before Jesus came, Isaiah prophesied the behavior Jesus would exhibit and the kind of person he would be. He would bring justice to the nations and to the world. Yet, he would do this in a non-violent way: “not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street”! He would be especially mindful and patient with the wounded and the vulnerable. He would be full of care for those who were trying to overcome their brokenness – or only beginning to grasp the goodness, the truth, and the beauty of God’s plan and will.
Isaiah goes on to prophesy that Jesus would be a light for the nations – He would also bring light for our personal blindness, freedom from the prison of our fears – and liberation from the guilt and despair of our sinfulness!
Then Jesus finally came. He was all that Isaiah said he would be – and even more than Isaiah could have imagined. Isaiah only knew and thought of our limited, material world and our life here. Whereas, Jesus came from and operated on behalf of that other dimension which is eternal life with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
In the Gospel passage, we learn that Jesus came to John to be baptized. Jesus had no need to be repentant, because he had lived a perfect life without sin. However, Jesus wanted to give us an example of humility and complete submission to the will of the Father.
Submission to God can be a struggle. It means opening ourselves to God’s plan and will. Often it means giving up our preconceived plans and ideas. It means admitting our sins and breaking with the evil, the lies, the grotesqueness of our personal darkness – all of which we may be only vaguely aware.
Nevertheless, if we do so, then wonderful things can begin to happen. For then, we live up to our dignity and potential as God’s son or daughter who was chosen like Jesus. We also come to understand that, like Jesus, we are beloved by God – and that we have a purpose and a mission during our life here under the direction of the Holy Spirit!
Brothers and Sisters, if God made us to show forth His goodness – then we all have a vocation to manifest God’s goodness wherever we find ourselves. We must bring goodness, truth, and beauty into the lives of those throughout our sphere of influence. We must demonstrate with quiet power in our actions and lives against those forces of darkness and evil which are everywhere. Because in the non-violent way of Jesus, we help him deliver others from the darkness, the blindness, and the chains which will destroy them.
So, let us pray, today, that we will never falter in this endeavor. And may we always be pleasing to God as His beloved children!
Amen.
Msgr. Russell G. Terra, Parish Homilies, February 16, 2020 Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Redding, CA
God’s Orchard
Our world is an orchard God planted and grows, With deep, dark, rich soil and water that flows. We are His trees, all growing in God’s fields, And each is unique with different yields.
God gave us His Spirit to show us the way To grow fruit for Him, each and every day. This isn’t just for you, it’s also for me, But I have to ask, what’s growing on your tree?
Love is he foremost of God’s fruit. Love God, and our neighbors: all hate refute. Love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul, And love our neighbors – those must be our goals.
Joy is the fruit to make our poor hearts glad. God plan is our happiness, not to be sad. Believing in Him, inexpressible joy, Now and forever, His presence to enjoy.
Peace, God’s peace, a harmony of mind, A fruit to be treasured for all of time. Let the peace of Christ rule in our heart And our fears and worries will all depart.
Patience we show when we wait on the Lord; Waiting and trusting are special rewards. Goals, plans and steps are all made by man, But all will be done by God’s perfect plan.
Kindness to others, as shown through our life, Is our protection from discord and strife. For just as God gave His kindness to us, We can give others our kindness plus.
Goodness is uprightness of life and heart, One of the things setting Christians apart. The world might call it having a good name, But we credit God, from Whom goodness came.
Faithfulness leads to God’s blessings, it’s true, A faithful servant, the best we can do. For Jesus was faithful, in life and death, There, on the cross, to His very last breath.
Gentleness and meekness should grow on our tree, As we walk with our God in humility. Though we crave honors, it must be reversed. Forever in God’s eyes, the last will be first.
Self-control will keep us on God’s path, Not seeking the world and incurring His wrath. The Kingdom of God is not worldly pleasure, But righteousness, peace and joy in good measure.
Hate, anger, impatience, cruelty and strife Are what the world will chain to us in life. Wickedness, betrayal, wantonness, and pride Will be bound to us, so we must decide.
Will we live life for Him, for all of our days, Praising and thanking and walking in His ways? It is for freedom that Christ set us free, So search your heart now, what’s growing on your tree?
It’s not just a difference of political viewpoint.
The Gospel is hidden to those who are lost, whose unbelieving minds the god of this world has blinded.
This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal. It’s an opportunity to let the events of this world grow increasingly dim, while we focus on things above – God’s glory and grace.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.
Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
The Storm is upon us. Please remember to Pray for our President.
Our movement is about replacing a failed and CORRUPT political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
And,
On this day and every day –
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The Signs of the Times
WuFlu Spreads – Nursing Homes Decimated – Isolation – Social Distancing
Excessive Force – Racial Prejudice – Riots – Looting – Burnings – Injuries – Death
Throw Water, Then “Shakes” – Then Bottles, Bricks, Bullets and Bombs
Hands Up – Take A Knee – Defund Police – Sign Black Agenda
Demonstrate In Parks, Then Streets – Occupy City Hall, Then Precinct
Antifa – Black Lives Matter – Marxists – Socialist Bureaucrats
Lying Media – Corrupt Politicians – Traitors – Anarchists
Millions in the U.S. either personally believe or support people who believe that:
Although the threat of spread of COVID-19 requires that businesses and churches must be closed, families isolated in their homes, people prohibited from using parks or walking alone on a deserted beach, it’s acceptable for thousands of people to gather together for hours to protest police use of excessive force, and, in the process, killing and injuring people, looting and burning businesses.
Although 3,000 Black Americans are murdered by Black Americans every year without public protest, it’s acceptable to riot, causing multiple deaths, hundreds of police injuries, and hundreds of millions of dollars of damage, because systemic racial prejudice by police is baselessly assumed as the root cause of the death of a drug addicted, porn acting, counterfeit money-passing career criminal with multiple convictions and jail sentences.
Although pets and other animals must be treated with care and compassion, it’s acceptable to strike people you disagree with politically with bike locks, hammers, 2 x 4s and the like.
Although micro aggressions must be identified and stopped because they’re hurtful, it’s acceptable to loot and burn down businesses as a means of protesting policies or actions you disagree with.
Although COVID-19 requires that extreme isolation and quarantine actions be taken to prevent its spread, it’s acceptable to require that COVID-19 positive patients be placed in nursing homes with elderly patients with comorbidities who are the most vulnerable group for death in the U.S. population.
Although your psychological health and physical well-being must be protected, it’s acceptable to mechanically tear apart babies in the womb or cut the spinal cord of their exposed heads with scissors to kill them, and then to sell their body parts for thousands of dollars.
Although Socialist leaders and regimes have ruined the lives and caused the deaths of millions of people in the last century, it’s acceptable to insist on more and more Socialist policies be included in the laws and services of our democratic constitutional republic, the most successful government on earth.
These “Although” and “it’s acceptable” examples are just a few of the many inexplicable dichotomies that are integral to the destructive mindset of millions.
Most of us are bewildered at the lack of facts and logic that are inherent to this mindset. We can’t comprehend how these harmful views can be held by any rational person, let alone millions of them.
Our laws are generally based on our Judeo-Christian heritage, principles and beliefs. And therein, I believe, lies the root of the problem.
The two great principles that form the basis of Jewish and Christian thought and practice are:
Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Or, more expansively,
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?
And,
Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.
Leviticus 19:34 The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.
And, of course, as summarized by Jesus,
Matthew 22:36-40 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Love God and love your neighbor. These are simple in concept, but, because we are weak, flawed and fallible humans, impossible in practice.
But, these are God’s commands for us and, because He knows they are impossible for us in practice, “He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This is the Gospel that forms the beginning and foundation for our Christian beliefs.
If you try to apply general Christian teachings to support any of the “Although” and “it’s acceptable” examples above, you will fail.
Do we have Christian principles that tend to support forming crowds to protest certain actions . . . crowds that are first merely disruptive, but then lead to disobeying police, physical violence, looting, burning of businesses and injury and death?
1 Peter 2:17 – Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Romans 13:1 – Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Do we have Christian principles that would in any way condone policies that endanger then result in deaths of thousands of elderly? The elderly are not people who have become a burden on society and who are now subject to removal.
Leviticus 19:32 “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
Do we have Christian principles that even remotely permit the killing of a baby in the womb, let alone allowing a born baby to dehydrate and die over a period of days after birth?
Job 31:15 Did not He who made me in the womb make him, and the same One fashion us in the womb?
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;
Do we have Christian principles that mandate or support Socialism as a form of government?
There are many Biblical examples for those that have material goods to remember and even be generous to the poor. But there is nothing that mandates or supports local government in confiscating the wealth of those that have more and distributing it to those that have less.
We are guided in our ethics, our morals, and our sense of right and wrong by God’s Word, our parents, our pastors, our friends and associates and the influence that God’s Word has had on society as a whole and our general precepts and specific laws.
But, referring back to the destructive mindset, there are millions in our country who don’t seem to be influenced by Judeo-Christian principles. They seem to live at a different level of understanding than we do. They don’t need and won’t accept facts or logic that contradict or show the negative consequences of their destructive mindset.
It’s as though they have fallen under the influence and control of something or someone else. Well, perhaps that is exactly the answer.
John 1:5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Romans 1:28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But even if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden only to those who are lost, whose unbelieving minds the god of this world has blinded, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
And that, I believe, is why it is entirely appropriate to label the violent demonstrations, the physical attacks on police and on the people supporting President Trump, the looting and burning of businesses, the resultant injuries and deaths, the recent calls to defund or disband those that enforce our laws, . . . all these actions operating in opposition to the Judeo-Christian principles that guide our lives . . . as evil, absolutely evil.
We may sooner or later get out of the messes that are near or at the level of a direct threat against the continued existence of our country, but we must not forget . . .
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps, His day is marching on.
I have read His fiery gospel writ in rows of burnished steel! “As ye deal with my contemners, so with you My grace shall deal! Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,” Since God is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free! While God is marching on.
Praise is bestowing compliments “on a person for his personal virtues or worthy actions …”, as Noah Webster explained it. Psalms is the Thankful praise book of the Bible with the word “praise” mentioned 132 times.
It is very important to God, and should be to us, to praise God for all the wonderful things He has done in our lives. He never tires of our praising Him. We are to praise Him, as we are reminded in Psalms, because:
He is righteous.
“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” Psa. 35:28 Also: 7:17, 48:10.
He deserves it!
“I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.” Psa. 9:2 Also: Psa. 69:34, 71:8, 98:4, 107:32, 135:3.
He is powerful and mighty!
“Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.” Psa. 21:13 Also: Psa.22:23, 28:7, 150:2.
All of His creation praises Him, and so should we.
“Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.” Psa. 148:3 Also: 146:10, 148:2.
Of His working in our lives and in this world.
“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psa. 9:1 Also: Psa. 52:9, 107:15, 21, 31, 118:21, 139:14, 145:10.
I trust Him, and everything He says in His Word.
“In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psa. 56:4 Also: Psa. 56:10, 63:5.
He has given us joy!
“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” Psa. 40:3 Also: Psa. 42:11, Psa. 43:4,5.
We are not proud to tell others that we have a relationship with Him.
“I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.” Psa. 22:22 Also: Psa. 44:8.
We want others to know of Him, and experience His love and help in their lives!
“I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.” Psa. 45:17 Also: Psa. 57:9, 66:8, 67:3,5, 74:21, 86:12, 108:3, 109:30, 113:9, 117:1.
We are grateful for His love and help.
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Psa. 100:4 Also: Psa. 30:12, 69:30, 79:13, 106:1, 107:8.
Praising God is a way to show that we are grateful to Him for all He has done. We all have so much to praise Him for. God is so good to us; certainly better than we deserve.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory; Strength and honor give to His holy Name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children, In His arms He carries them all day long.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died. He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation, Hail Him! Hail Him! Jesus the Crucified. Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows, Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring! Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever; Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King! Christ is coming! over the world victorious, Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.
Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
The Storm is upon us. Please remember to Pray for our President.
Our movement is about replacing a failed and CORRUPT political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
And,
On this day and every day –
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Resting in the Lord
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
The latest lunacy from the left is mind-boggling: COVID-19 is such a threat to the existence of society that we must live our lives in lockdown, not even being permitted to attend church services or walk with your dog on a deserted strip of beach,
BUT . . .
It’s perfectly OK, even psychologically healthy, for crowds to gather by the thousands, assaulting citizens, and looting and burning businesses all with the pretext of honoring the life of a drug abusing, porn acting, counterfeit money passing individual considered the victim of excessive police force. And, likewise, it’s OK to encourage a million man mob to form in Wash., D.C. to possibly spread disease and mayhem on an enormous scale.
This latest bit of insanity got me thinking of how my involvement with these events are actually effecting my life in these times. Here. Now.
What am I missing? I’m missing the whole concept of “Resting in the Lord”. That concept is fairly well fractured on a daily basis these days and that’s what I’d like to explore a bit this Sunday.
For years, I’ve had in my mind’s eye what, for me, would be an idyllic, restful setting:
I’m sitting in an old, rather worn recliner (that fits me like a glove) on the covered back porch of a small log cabin buried deep in a pine forest. The heady scent of the pine pitch is strong in the air and the sights and sounds from the woodland creatures, and those from the lake just a few yards away, lend a fairy-tale aspect to the sight of the red rising sun, just appearing through the trees on the ridge nearby. The sun draws a red path through the lake, across small ripples from the gentle morning breeze.
At this cabin, I have all I need. My health is good, my retirement income is ample, and I own the cabin outright. My larder is well-stocked, I’ve plenty of practical clothing for all four seasons and a big woodpile, and nothing, nothing impacts my life that would cause anger or even concern. I’ve got goodwill in my heart for all, man or beast, and a pleasant feeling of contentment, not involving any of my own accomplishments, but from being in this restful place with a feeling of gratitude for the same.
Now this tale, with a few adjustments, embodies my general feelings of resting in the Lord.
We are where we are in this country, and we have all that we have courtesy of a generous Provider Who is our Creator. He owns the cabin, the pines and the lake and graciously allows me to stay there, without charge, if only I acknowledge Him as my Provider and trust in His Son as my Savior, which I am pleased to do. (Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD Will Provide)
He has given me my health, and provided my larder, clothing and woodpile. Because of my trust in Him, I will not let myself be overly concerned by the machinations of the world outside of the forest.
My Provider has written some principles that He has advised me that I should develop in my life, but He wants me to accept these principles, not as imposed and enforced rules, but as a way of life that I realize is best for me and also for those around me.
The two major principles are general: to esteem and honor my Provider and to seek the higher good for others. A few of the personal characteristics my Provider specifically mentions are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He has more principles such as justice, mercy, forgiveness and humility that He wants me to follow and examples for me that He has written in a Book that he left for me.
My Provider also wants me to know that He is controlling the events of this world according to His perfect plan in which all will work out to my benefit. He does ask that I be still, quiet and rest easily in the confidence that He is in control of everything.
I also read in the Book that my Provider has some great plans for me in the future. He is preparing a place full of joy and peace, and so wonderful and delightful that it is beyond my imagination, a place in which I will be able to stay for a very, very long time.
When the Big Crazy starts closing in on me, I find that I can escape it with a quick trip to the cabin in the pines, never losing sight of the fact that it is my Provider that has made it all possible, in spite of my unworthiness of the privilege, and giving Him the thanks, the praise and all the glory.
When peace, like a river, flows swiftly away, And troubles like sea billows roll; In You I’m steadfast, from Your arms I’ll not stray, For it’s well, yes, it’s well with my soul.
~ apologies to Horatio G. Spafford
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
FYI – Some of the other names for God in the Bible (There are many more)
EL, ELOAH: God mighty, strong, prominent ELOHIM: God Creator, Mighty and Strong EL SHADDAI: God Almighty ADONAI: Lord YHWH / YAHWEH / JEHOVAH: LORD YAHWEH-RAPHA: The Lord Who Heals AHWEH-M’KADDESH: The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy YAHWEH-SHALOM: The Lord Our Peace YAHWEH-ELOHIM: LORD God YAHWEH-TSIDKENU: The Lord Our Righteousness YAHWEH-ROHI: The Lord Our Shepherd YAHWEH-SABAOTH: The Lord of Hosts EL ELYON: Most High EL-OLAM: Everlasting God
Pentecost Sunday May 31, 2020 “The Gift of Jesus and His Continued Presence”
Acts 2:1-11 1 Corinthians 12:3-13 John 20:19-23
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –
Not long ago, in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic – and while everyone was sheltering in place – I received an anonymous letter. It was from someone who was devastated by the American bishops’ order suspending Mass and all other religious gatherings.
The writer seemed to be very upset both spiritually and psychologically. The reception of Jesus in the Eucharist had been their almost sole source of strength and courage in the past. They needed the Eucharist as if it were the only way to be one with Jesus – and, thus, be able to survive the pain and the hardship which are part of everyone’s life.
The writer implied that the clergy had deserted Jesus much like the disciples did after the first Eucharist on the night before he died! We were certainly not doing what we were ordained to do!
Unfortunately, the writer seemed to be unaware of many things: – that each believing person possesses Jesus within their heart and soul – – that we must have a personal relationship with Jesus and a life with him apart from any tangible sign or sacrament – – that the grace of God and the power of God are always there for us if we ask for them – – that Jesus is present in the scriptures as the divine Word of God – – that Jesus is in our midst whenever 2 or 3 are gathered in his name – probably even through SKYPE – – that Catholics and other Christians survived and grew in their faith while prisoners of war for 3 or 4 years, or even longer, without the Eucharist – – that we have an obligation under the 5th Commandment not to inflict harm on others or cause them to die by spreading the virus – – that our present situation is only temporary – but like the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920, might have a 2nd or 3rd wave – – that Jesus said there is no greater love than to lay down our life – or give up anything less – so that another can live!
What we all need to survive any crisis is the presence of God within us. The Father is always there with His creative life-force to sustain us, body and soul. Jesus is always there for us and will be with us until the end of time through his gift of the Holy Spirit which we celebrate on this great feast of Pentecost.
The Gospel for today tells us that Jesus bestowed that Spirit on the night of his Resurrection. But even before that bestowal, Jesus gifted the disciples with his peace. In fact, he said those wonderful words twice: “Shalom!” “Peace be with you!” Then he gave them the Holy Spirit and told them to carry on his work – especially the work of healing and forgiveness which we all so desperately need!
The second outpouring of the Holy Spirit was on that first Pentecost. The disciples had been paralyzed by mortal fear only moments before – Nevertheless, with that outpouring they became changed! They became absolutely fearless! Moreover, the good people who had assembled outside were also gifted. Each was able to hear what the apostles said in their own language! Moreover, hundreds became believers and new disciples on that day!
In the second reading, St. Paul teaches us that we can’t even acknowledge that “Jesus is Lord” without the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the Godhead, the Trinity, has a unique plan and purpose for each of us during our time here. All of our gifts come from the Holy Spirit. The service we render comes from Jesus who commissions us. The creative work we do is empowered by our divine Father! And only fear and selfishness can impede us from doing Christ’s work and becoming who God has called us to be!
Fear always paralyzes us and keeps us from doing what we should and must. However, the gift of the Spirit casts out fear. The Holy Spirit enables us to accept mystery. It enables us to live in mystery without knowing the “what” – or understanding the “why” of the Father’s design and plan. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit always brings us peace – of mind, heart, and soul – a peace which “surpasses understanding”!
Our personal, interior peace will enable us to accept whatever might come. It enables us to rejoice both in good times and in bad, and in health or in sickness – knowing that we have no lasting city here on earth – But that we have an eternal home already prepared for us in the Kingdom of Heaven!
And so, Brothers and Sisters, let us open ourselves to what the Holy Spirit continues to be for us. May we become fearless before whatever we must face in whatever lies ahead – And may our personal, interior relationship with Jesus sustain us even when we cannot celebrate the great gift of his Eucharist! Amen.
May 31, 2020 Msgr. Russell G. Terra Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Redding, CA *http://www.stjosephredding.org/parish-homilies.html
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
This Superlative Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.
Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
The Storm is upon us. Please remember to Pray for our President.
Our movement is about replacing a failed and CORRUPT political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
And,
On this day and every day –
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
What gives a widow courage as she stands beside a fresh grave?
What is the ultimate hope of the disabled, the amputee, the abused, the burn victim?
How can the parents of children who have brain damage or physical handicaps keep from living their entire lives totally and completely depressed?
Why would anyone who is blind or deaf or paralyzed be encouraged when he or she thinks of the life beyond?
How can we see past the martyrdom of some helpless hostage or devoted missionary?
Where do the thoughts of a young couple go when they finally recover from the grief of losing their baby?
When a family receives the tragic news that a little daughter was found dead or their dad was killed in a plane crash or a son overdosed on drugs, what single truth becomes their whole focus?
What is the final answer to pain, mourning, senility, insanity, terminal diseases, sudden calamities, and fatal accidents?
The answer to each of these questions is the same: the hope of bodily resurrection.
We draw strength from this single truth almost every day of our lives—more than we realize. It becomes the mental glue that holds our otherwise shattered thoughts together. Impossible though it may be for us to understand the details of how God is going to pull it off, we hang our hopes on fragile, threadlike thoughts that say, “Someday, He will make it right” and “Thank God, all this will change” and “When we’re with Him, we shall be like Him.”
More than a few times a year I look into red, swollen eyes and remind the despairing and the grieving that “there’s a land that is fairer than day” when, as John promised in the Revelation,
“He will wipe away every tear . . . there will no longer be any death . . . any mourning, or crying, or pain.” . . . There will no longer be any curse . . . any night . . . because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever. (21:4; 22:3, 5)
Hooray for such wondrous hope!
Just imagine . . . those who are physically disabled today will one day dance in beautiful coordination and leap in ecstatic joy. Those who spend their lives absorbed in total darkness will see every color in the spectrum of light. In fact, the first face they will see will be of the One who gives them sight. And those precious souls whose minds and emotions are limited by mental disability, disease, or old age will enjoy to the full unhindered and uninhibited relationships. It’s enough to put a smile on any weary face. There’s nothing like the hope of resurrection to lift the agonizing spirits of the heavyhearted.
Unless, of course, it’s all a cruel hoax.
That’s Paul’s whole point in 1 Corinthians 15:19. Remember how he put it? If bodily resurrection is only an empty dream, then “we are of all men most to be pitied.” All our preaching has a hollow ring to it, our faith is worthless, the dead have perished, and we are still under the condemnation of our sins (15:14, 16, 18). What a deplorable state of affairs! It’s enough to make all of us run and hide!
But wait. That hypothetical argument hinges on a conditional presupposition . . . if. “If there is no resurrection of the dead” (15:13), then we’re out to lunch. But there is a resurrection with all its promised hopes. It is as sure as we’re alive at this moment.
How can we be so certain that we will be resurrected? What is the source of our assurance? What gives us unshakable confidence in the face of death? The fact of Christ’s resurrection.
Because He has been raised, we too shall rise. As Paul stated in that same section of Scripture, “Christ [is] the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming” (15:23). That’s us! Jesus Himself promised, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25).
No wonder we get so excited every Easter! No wonder we hold nothing back as we celebrate His miraculous resurrection from the grave! It’s a double-barreled celebration: His triumphant hurrah over agony and our ultimate and eternal hooray.
How can I keep from singing?
My life flows on in endless song; Above earth’s lamentation I hear the sweet though far off hymn That hails a new creation: Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die? The Lord my Savior liveth; What though the darkness gather round! Songs in the night He giveth: No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that refuge clinging; Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singing?
I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin; I see the blue above it; And day by day this pathway smoothes Since first I learned to love it: The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever springing: All things are mine since I am His— How can I keep from singing?
1 That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?”
And the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”
4 So the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
5 The king’s servants said to him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.”
And the king said, “Let him come in.”
6 So Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?”
Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” 7 And Haman answered the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. 9 Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’ ”
10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.”
11 So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!”
12 Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate.
Genuinely Humble
“What goes around comes around.” That popular saying has never been truer than it is here. Things have gone around for Haman—yet they finally come around for Mordecai. Sitting on that horse in regal attire, he was the most surprised man in the kingdom. That’s the beauty of the story. He was not a proud man. He was not a vengeful man. He was not whispering, “Say it a little louder. Eat your heart out, Haman.” According to what is written here, Mordecai didn’t utter a word.
I think that’s what I appreciate most in this whole episode: the silence of Mordecai. How rare are the people who can be promoted to a place of highly visible significance and not live for their own clippings or crave the spotlight or demand center stage. Soft-spoken, genuinely humble celebrities are extremely rare. Not convinced? Check the rank and file of today’s pro athletes. How refreshing (and unusual!) to find a modern-day Mordecai!
In fact, the next thing we read is that “Mordecai returned to the king’s gate.” A brief phrase, it’s easy to overlook. But isn’t it wonderful? “Mordecai returned to the king’s gate,” it says, rather than, “Mordecai accepted a major promotion.” And do you know why it’s significant? Because that’s where he’s been all the time. His honor has not gone to his head. He just went back to work.
Have you recently been promoted? Has God’s providence smiled on you so that your name is now honored in circles where you were once not even known? Have you come to a place of popularity and prosperity? Are you now esteemed in the eyes of others? If so, the real question is: Are you still comfortable at the king’s gate, or must you now live in the palace? Must you now be treated with special care and be given kid-glove treatment and not be bothered with everyday problems? Mordecai shrugged, “Just drop me off where all this started—at the king’s gate.”
No matter what happens to you, remember “the pit from which you’ve been dug.” You’ll find the best place on earth is still pretty close to your roots. Like the country song reminds us, “Look how far I had to come, to get back where I started from.”
Verses to ponder –
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience . . .
Respect for the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Your enemies have mocked me, O LORD; they mock your anointed king wherever he goes. Praise the LORD forever! Amen and amen! (Psalm 89:51-52)
It’s easy to praise God when life is good. It’s a gorgeous spring day . . . praise the Lord! I just got a raise . . . praise the Lord! My doctor gave me a clean bill of health . . . praise the Lord! I got an “A”‘ on my final exam . . . praise the Lord!
But what about when life isn’t good? The wind chill factor today is minus 25 degrees . . . praise the Lord? I just lost my job . . . praise the Lord? My doctor says it’s cancer . . . praise the Lord? I’m going to fail that class . . . praise the Lord?
Psalm 89 exemplifies praising God when life is hard, praising God anyway. This psalm begins by singing of God’s unfailing love (89:1-2). Moreover, all of heaven will praise God’s great wonders (89:5). God’s faithfulness to his people is a cause for rejoicing (89:9). This faithfulness is centered in God’s covenant with David and his promise that David’s dynasty will go on forever (89:19-37). But then Psalm 89 takes a dark turn, even accusing God of renouncing his covenant with David (89:39). The psalmist cries out, “O LORD, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever?” (89:46). The penultimate verse of Psalm 89 laments, “Your enemies have mocked me, O LORD; they mock your anointed king wherever he goes” (89:51).
But then comes the startling conclusion: “Praise the LORD forever! Amen and amen!” What? Praise the Lord who has allowed his people to suffer, who has strengthened the enemies of Israel, whose unfailing love seems to have disappeared? Praise this Lord? Now?
Yes, that’s where Psalm 89 leaves us, without explanation, without apology. Yes, there is an unresolved tension here, something that can’t be rationalized away. The psalmist shows unsettling freedom in his protest against God, even accusing God of breaking his promises. Yet, he ends on a note of praise, and not just praise, but eternal praise. In the midst of pain and suffering, praise the Lord! When you can’t figure out what God is doing, praise the Lord! When God feels very distant, praise the Lord!
I’m not suggesting that this is easy to do. In fact, I find this to be exceptionally difficult. Thus, I am challenged by today’s psalm to do what does not come naturally, to praise the Lord at all times, to praise the Lord anyway.
Praising God anyway, when we’re in the midst of difficult times needs a little context to be seen from the correct perspective.
While we were yet sinners, God showed His love for us by giving His Son, Jesus, to bear our sins as He died on the cross. Jesus’ death reconciled man’s sin and sinful nature with the holiness of God. To partake of that reconciliation, we must put our trust in Jesus as our Savior . . . not by our works, but even to those who believe on His name.
We were less than nothing and have been given everything.
So, back to praising God even in difficult times. That’s a bit like walking along and stubbing your toe, quite painfully I might add, and just when you’re ready to complain to God about it, you see that you’ve stubbed your toe on the marble steps leading up and into the grandest mansion the world has ever seen . . . a mansion that God has just given to you.
And that comparison utterly fails when we really think about what wretched worms we were in God’s eyes, and then the enormous sacrifice God made to be able to adopt us into His family as His sons and daughters.
Amazing grace, How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me . . .
So, when events take a nasty turn for us during our short time down here, perhaps we can do a bit better about praising God anyway, in view of our riches for eternity up there with God.
