Meditations for Lent - # 30
As I read the Biblical lessons in John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 and Psalm 34:17-21,23 I was again reminded of the courage it takes to do what feels right. I reread the word of the Psalmist claiming that the Lord hears the righteous and will deliver their trouble. Evil will slay the wicked. I reread the account in John of some of the last days of Jesus knowing the crucifixion will soon take place. Obviously when these words were written the authors had on rose colored glasses and did not have instant access to news we now have. Jesus will be crucified. The righteous will face terrible troubles. Very hurtful deeds will continue to visit the righteous and the unrighteous. The story of the resurrection not withstanding, no matter how much one stands firm for behavior which honors the sacredness of all creation, mother nature, other animals and other humans, tragedy continues to visit. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, cyclones, forest fires, floods and mud slides continue to destroy the kind and the unkind equally. Mental illness which prevents empathy; which prevents the ability to consider the needs and rights of others; affects an ever-increasing number of people. Daily, young men and women are dying from drug overdoses or drugs laced with substances which quickly kill. Millions of children and their parent(s) are living in refugee camps. One percent of people hold the majority of wealth. Children and adults are dying because greed prevents access to health care.
Not the God of the. Old Testament nor the Jesus of the New Testament are doing much to help “the least of these” or any others. There is seemingly no fairness; no reward for loving or responsible behavior. Very few people can escape news of the reality of life for most of us humans.
William DuBois was a very laudable person whose life comforts and inspires many. Maya Angelou’s strong, positive voice which arose out of the scars of racism, sexism, sexual abuse and many other hardships continues to give many hope and comfort. Richard Wright in the voice of Bigger Thomas continues to declare, “You can’t do nonthin but kill me and that ain’t nonthin.” People I know donate money so that a woman can cremate and honor her brother who died of a drug overdose. The women who have been waiting tables at a local diner for many years continue to welcome customers as if they are stopping by the home place for a chat and a meal. Soon Easter will arrive and the stone will be rolled away from the tomb. The spring flowers will lead the way in proudly standing up without asking permission, apologizing for being them or competing with the flowers next to them.
There is human time and what I sometimes call universal time or God time. My vision is very limited. Even at my advanced age I “forget” that, at most, this life journey is very brief; that I have absolute control over how well I love today; how tall l stand up for the rights and dignity of all people; how much I allow my heart and not greed to direct my action in all parts of my life; whether I choose to exercise, eat decently and allow others to love me today.
Jesus walks in Jerusalem causing some to wonder if the authorities have decided he is to be recognized and honored as the Messiah. He simply replies that it is not the hour.
Today I shall attempt to think and act in God time. I shall trust that it is enough to do my best to channel the wise heart of William DuBois or Maya Angelou. Today I shall show up with as much love as this human can muster and smile at human time.
Written April 5, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
As I read the Biblical lessons in John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 and Psalm 34:17-21,23 I was again reminded of the courage it takes to do what feels right. I reread the word of the Psalmist claiming that the Lord hears the righteous and will deliver their trouble. Evil will slay the wicked. I reread the account in John of some of the last days of Jesus knowing the crucifixion will soon take place. Obviously when these words were written the authors had on rose colored glasses and did not have instant access to news we now have. Jesus will be crucified. The righteous will face terrible troubles. Very hurtful deeds will continue to visit the righteous and the unrighteous. The story of the resurrection not withstanding, no matter how much one stands firm for behavior which honors the sacredness of all creation, mother nature, other animals and other humans, tragedy continues to visit. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, cyclones, forest fires, floods and mud slides continue to destroy the kind and the unkind equally. Mental illness which prevents empathy; which prevents the ability to consider the needs and rights of others; affects an ever-increasing number of people. Daily, young men and women are dying from drug overdoses or drugs laced with substances which quickly kill. Millions of children and their parent(s) are living in refugee camps. One percent of people hold the majority of wealth. Children and adults are dying because greed prevents access to health care.
Not the God of the. Old Testament nor the Jesus of the New Testament are doing much to help “the least of these” or any others. There is seemingly no fairness; no reward for loving or responsible behavior. Very few people can escape news of the reality of life for most of us humans.
William DuBois was a very laudable person whose life comforts and inspires many. Maya Angelou’s strong, positive voice which arose out of the scars of racism, sexism, sexual abuse and many other hardships continues to give many hope and comfort. Richard Wright in the voice of Bigger Thomas continues to declare, “You can’t do nonthin but kill me and that ain’t nonthin.” People I know donate money so that a woman can cremate and honor her brother who died of a drug overdose. The women who have been waiting tables at a local diner for many years continue to welcome customers as if they are stopping by the home place for a chat and a meal. Soon Easter will arrive and the stone will be rolled away from the tomb. The spring flowers will lead the way in proudly standing up without asking permission, apologizing for being them or competing with the flowers next to them.
There is human time and what I sometimes call universal time or God time. My vision is very limited. Even at my advanced age I “forget” that, at most, this life journey is very brief; that I have absolute control over how well I love today; how tall l stand up for the rights and dignity of all people; how much I allow my heart and not greed to direct my action in all parts of my life; whether I choose to exercise, eat decently and allow others to love me today.
Jesus walks in Jerusalem causing some to wonder if the authorities have decided he is to be recognized and honored as the Messiah. He simply replies that it is not the hour.
Today I shall attempt to think and act in God time. I shall trust that it is enough to do my best to channel the wise heart of William DuBois or Maya Angelou. Today I shall show up with as much love as this human can muster and smile at human time.
Written April 5, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
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