Posted on 03/21/2010 8:25:23 AM PDT by johniegrad
There is no underestimating the importance of today's events. I don't think anyone subscribing to this forum would refute that. Many people here wear their hearts on their sleeves and are rightfully distraught about the possibility that this monstrosity could be voted into law today. Reading through the threads, it is a very personal matter for all of us and we are all concerned about the future of our country, our children, and the world.
There is a higher degree of awareness here and it is productively channelled into fruitful activities. The passion of our fellow posters is palpable and sometimes takes a toll on them.
Given the importance of what is happening today, and, understanding that not all our posters welcome religious thoughts, I have posted a reading for simple reflection taken from today's Liturgy of the Hours. It is from Psalm 2.
It is not posted to deflect attention from the importance of what is occurring. Nor is it intended to stimulate theological debate. There is no attempt to predict the future or give up on the cause by posting it. It is simply here for anyone who might like to read it.
My only hope is that it may provide some comfort to those who are emotionally struggling with this marathon of evil that is occurring.
Why this tumult among nations,
among peoples this useless murmuring?
They arise, the kings of the earth,
princes plot against the Lord and his Anointed.
"Come, let us break their fetters,
come, let us cast off their yoke."
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord is laughing them to scorn.
Then he will speak in his anger,
his rage will strike them with terror.
"It is I who have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will announce the decree of the Lord:
The Lord said to me: "You are my Son.
It is I who have begotten you this day.
Ask and I shall bequeath you the nations,
put the ends of the earth in your possession.
With a rod of iron you will break them,
shatter them like a potter's jar."
Now, O kings, understand,
take warning, rulers of the earth;
serve the Lord with awe
and trembling, pay him your homage
lest he be angry and you perish;
for suddenly his anger will blaze.
Blessed are they who put their trust in God.
You have just founded a million dollar industry.
As anyone familiar with the processes of pottery making knows, the symbolism of the reference to the shattering of the "jar" is powerful here.
At America's founding, there was a deep awareness by those who capsulized the ideas of liberty into our Declaration of Independence and structured them into a form of self-government in a written Constitution that the hand of Divine Providence was at work. It was recognized in words like "Creator," "Supreme judge," "nature's God," and "Governor of the Universe," among others--all recognizing a Source of life, liberty, and law that was over all, the governed and those elected to positions of power.
Back to the "potter" metaphor. Unlike the awareness of America's wise Founders and early Presidents, of a Hand which moves in the affairs of men and nations, today's pseudointellectuals who pretend to power in America fit what Burke referred to as T. S. Eliot's description, a "provinciality" - the provinciality of time and space." Their breadth, depth, and height of understanding appears limited, making them unaware of their position in the total scheme of things.
There are several other portions from the "wisdom" writings expanding on the metaphor from your reading. Two are offered here for contemplation, along with your excellent contribution today.
“Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker . . . . Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands'?” - Isaiah 45:9 (NIV)
“The world is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time; so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and to save the world from suicide.”
T.S. Eliot, Christianity and Culture
Cleburne was from Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas. As were 5 or 6 other Southern generals. They all lost their land. I knew one of Cleburne’s descendents. He was a barber.
On the other hand, the Horners were considered wealthy. Their ancestor was a “Major Horner” who was in charge of Helena, Arkansas during reconstruction.
To the victors go the spoils. May we be the victors.
All right!
Prayer and faith give strength, the strength of truth and goodness, BUT it’s also a strength TO ,actually and really, FIGHT
I agree. I wish there was a majority who understood this fact FRiend.No time for sheep. Lions are needed.
Ping for all the confusion.
Amen and Amen! I’m a Christ follower, and trust in divine providence. I’m also in the process of learning God’s word—it is the bedrock upon which we can stand. Joyce Meyer has taught me to find in God’s word, when doing spiritual warfare—(which make no mistake that’s what we are engaged in)-to put on the armor God gives us in His word—Shoes of peace, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, and wield the power in the sword of God’s word.
Our nation’s motto is after all—”IN GOD WE TRUST”
We must surrender and trust in God’s will, for it will never fail.
With all the drama and confusion, I might try to keep this pinged to the top.
Ping
Results from the driving range...
(very very windy day here)
I skulled Obama several times :) A few shanks as well.
My main focus were the balls named Nancy Pelosi...
...let’s just say I crushed her...nearly every time I thought of her face on the ball.
I saved my driver for Reid, and hit a lot of “Kennedy’s”... (hooked it dead left)
Normally - I’m pretty consistant on the course and the range...but with the “winds” blowing at 25 to 30... let’s just say there were a lot of inconsistancies. Sort of like the Dim’s.
Praying for an end to this Bill.
In Jesus name...
Amen.
Good one.
In rereading my Post #22, a glaring error jumped out at me. My reference to T. S. Eliot was preceded by the wrong person's name--guess "sounds like" words sometimes just pop into one's mind.
Anyway, it was the late and great author of "The Conservative Mind," Dr. Russell Kirk, who referred to Eliot's "provinciality" observation.
Just wanted to correct the record!
Thank you, again, for posting these wise words today.
In rereading my Post #22, a glaring error jumped out at me. My reference to T. S. Eliot was preceded by the wrong person's name--guess "sounds like" words sometimes just pop into one's mind.
Anyway, it was the late and great author of "The Conservative Mind," Dr. Russell Kirk, who referred to Eliot's "provinciality" observation.
Just wanted to correct the record!
Thank you, again, for posting these wise words today.
I am praying that the so-called pro-life democrats are publicly announcing they will vote in favor of the bill only in order to bring it to a vote. I am also praying that they will then vote no to defeat the bill.
Amen.
Imagine manufacturing golf balls with Nancy, Harry, and Bo’s faces on them. Now imagine selling them to golfers all over the country. There is money here.
Ping.
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