Lent
February 21, 2018
Scripture Reading: Psalm 25:1-10
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long. –Psalm 25:1-5
I was somewhat relieved to hear about the Special Counsel, investigating Russian interference in our elections, indicting several Russian entities. Accused of creating popular media posts, they disparaged all sides trying to foment discord among our citizens. We do a good job of that ourselves without outside help. Throughout the 2016 campaign, people forwarded me the most outrageous reports. I could not understand why my friends gave these reports any credibility. Now I wonder if they sent them to me at all. I never responded to any of them. I quit reading them once I recognized their headings while I searched for ways to keep from getting them without unfriending my friends.
I am also not sure the wantonly treacherous are capable of feeling shame. What I am sure is that we should pass all information we receive through a truth smell test like smelling milk before we used it to make sure it is fit to consume. If the information surpasses common sense, it is time to throw it out.
The problems is deeper than a con. Why are we so afraid? Why do we feel so vulnerable? Part of the problem is our faith institutions are caught up in the discord. We do not agree with each other and rather than practicing discernment we apply winner-take-all-politics in our faith practices. We need to heed the Psalmist call to show us the way not to project our ways onto God.
Prayer:
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long. Amen.