The Lord is testing our faith and interpretation this week.
Paris. I seldom highlight news about the Catholics, but some things transcend religious differences. I admit to a great sadness back in 2019 when that big church in Paris caught fire. True, it was not a Babatist church, but an edifice of inspiration, nonetheless. Five years later, using immense money from God knows where, the great Notre Dame Cathedral has been rebuilt and officially opened this week. Truly a glorious restoration and work of art, the festivities of opening were great with pomp and circumstance. Hymns were sung to the accompaniment of a great instrument restored to its glory as well, and nothing stirs my soul like a big organ. Now, I don’t know if there were any deaths as a result of the fire, but I’d like to note that there was nary a hunchback in the crowd this week. And yet the bells were ringing. It’s a mystery.
Pardons. In all my years in the Babatist Church, I am quick to recall hymns speaking of pardon and forgiveness. “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth.” I’ve also memorized scripture containing this concept. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I am therefore grateful that the Lord has the power to pardon our transgressions. What crosses a line for me is when earthly powers speak of pardon. American Presidents have long held the power to pardon criminals of their transgressions. But is it an inspired gift? Reflecting on Brother Biden recently pardoning his son of illegal activity on a VERY broad basis, I’m reminded of our God sending his Son to die for our sins. Jesus didn’t get out of this destiny with a pass from his daddy, but I digress. Still, we’re already hearing of pardons to come in the next administration – pardons for reprobates far and wide. We need to pray about the human application of grace and forgiveness. I fear that leaders to come will make such decisions completely devoid of divine intervention. Amen?
Profits. I, like so many of you, was aghast at the brazen killing in broad morning light of a healthcare industry leader this past week. The Ten Commandments make it very clear that YOU SHALL NOT MURDER. As this story continues to unfold, more is being revealed. This was not the work of some criminal hitman but rather a seemingly good, well-bred young man. A young man frustrated with the actions (or rather inaction) of a large health insurance company denying care to those in need. What Would Jesus Do? I never saw a scripture or parable which told of our Lord passing the sick because they didn’t have the correct Caesar’s coin in their cloak. “Come to Me and I will give you rest” was a famous quote of our Savior. So . . . when mortal men seek to bypass the healing attitude of Jesus in exchange for profits like the tax collectors of old, I have to pause for reflection over which biblical teaching has been breeched here. Is there pardon for sin here? I prefer that vengeance come from above and not from man. Unless . . . the Lord was using a handsome Italian young man as His instrument. Let us pray.
